STAMFORD, Connecticut: Earth intelligence, a rapidly evolving field that applies artificial intelligence (AI) to Earth observation data, is poised to become a transformative force across industries, creating a $20 billion revenue opportunity for technology and service providers between 2025 and 2030, according to a recent forecast by Gartner, Inc.
A New Era of Earth Intelligence: From Government to Enterprise Leadership
Traditionally dominated by governments and military organizations, Earth intelligence is undergoing a significant shift. Gartner predicts that by 2030, enterprises will outspend governments and military bodies combined, accounting for over 50% of total Earth intelligence spending, a dramatic increase from less than 15% in 2024. This transition signals a new era where private companies lead innovation and investment in this space.
Bill Ray, Distinguished Vice President Analyst at Gartner, highlights the competitive landscape, “The future of Earth intelligence will be won by the vendors that move quickly to develop technologies that make sense of the oceans of raw data they collect.” The ability to transform vast amounts of Earth observation data into actionable insights will determine market leaders.
What is Earth Intelligence?
- Gartner defines Earth intelligence as the application of AI to Earth observation data to generate industry-specific, actionable insights. This process involves:
- Collecting satellite and sensor data from various sources including very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, drones, and ground sensors.
- Transforming raw data using advanced analytics and domain-specific AI models.
- Delivering tailored insights through software applications that address specific business functions and industry needs.
This integration of AI with Earth observation data enables solutions that were previously impossible or cost-prohibitive.
Market Growth and Revenue Projections
The market for Earth intelligence is expanding rapidly. Gartner forecasts that annual revenue from Earth intelligence will grow from nearly $3.8 billion in 2025 to over $4.2 billion by 2030, with the cumulative direct revenue opportunity for technology providers reaching close to $20 billion over the five-year period.
This revenue encompasses direct income from Earth intelligence data, analysis services, and software applications but does not include broader value drivers such as productivity gains or cost savings enabled by these technologies.
Revolutionary Technologies Driving Earth Intelligence
Several technological advancements are fueling this growth:
- Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) Satellites: These satellites are cheaper to build and launch than traditional satellites, offering higher-resolution imagery with revisit times as short as an hour or less. VLEO satellites can achieve resolutions as fine as 10 centimeters, enabling detection of minute details on the Earth’s surface.
- Advanced Imaging Techniques: Radar and hyperspectral imaging technologies reveal previously invisible features, enhancing the depth and breadth of Earth observation data.
- Integration with Ground Observations: Combining satellite data with sensor and drone data from the ground creates a richer, more comprehensive intelligence picture.
AI plays a critical role in processing this massive influx of data, transforming it into fit-for-purpose information tailored to industry-specific models and applications.
Real-World Applications and Industry Impact
Earth intelligence is already delivering unprecedented insights across multiple sectors:
- Infrastructure and Disaster Management: Satellites can pinpoint fallen trees blocking railroad tracks after storms, enabling rapid response and minimizing disruption.
- Industrial Monitoring: Monitoring the temperature of metal refineries worldwide helps assess global production capacity and detect anomalies.
- Traffic and Consumer Behavior Analysis: Counting vehicles to analyze traffic patterns and consumer trends assists urban planners and retailers in making informed decisions.
- Shipping and Logistics: Tracking sea cargo movements offers valuable data on global trade flows and supply chain dynamics.
These examples illustrate the broad applicability and transformative potential of Earth intelligence data.
Business Opportunities for Technology and Service Providers
As Earth intelligence moves into the private sector, technology and service providers have a vast opportunity to capitalize on new markets. Gartner emphasizes that vendors can generate revenue by:
- Selling raw and processed Earth intelligence data.
- Developing and licensing AI models tailored to specific industries.
- Offering stand-alone analytical tools and applications.
- Embedding Earth intelligence capabilities within existing enterprise software.
This diversification of offerings will create multiple revenue streams and foster innovation.
The race to harness Earth intelligence is intensifying as AI vendors compete to leverage the ever-growing volume of data. Success will depend on the ability to innovate rapidly and deliver practical, domain-specific solutions that turn raw data into actionable business intelligence.
Bill Ray concludes, “These unprecedented insights are delivering immense value, and new use cases are being discovered daily as the AI vendor race intensifies with the ever-expanding volume of available data.” The evolution of Earth intelligence promises to reshape industries from agriculture and manufacturing to transportation and urban planning.
Earth intelligence represents a monumental shift in how businesses and governments understand and interact with the planet. With a projected $20 billion direct revenue opportunity by 2030, technology and service providers stand at the forefront of this revolution. By leveraging AI, advanced satellite technologies, and innovative analytics, the industry is set to unlock new efficiencies, insights, and growth opportunities that will redefine the future of Earth observation and its applications.
