Change detection tools play a critical role in remote sensing and geospatial analysis by identifying and quantifying changes on the Earth’s surface over time. These tools support a wide range of applications – from tracking deforestation and glacier retreat to monitoring urban development and natural disasters. By comparing satellite or aerial images captured at different times, change detection tools enable decision-makers, researchers, and analysts to assess trends, detect anomalies, and plan responses with greater accuracy.
1. FlyPix AI
We use FlyPix AI to detect objects, monitor changes, and identify anomalies in geospatial imagery. The platform is designed to work with a wide range of image types including drone photos, satellite imagery, lidar, hyperspectral data, and radar scans. With this flexibility, we can support applications such as crop monitoring, construction tracking, and other location-based analysis tasks.
The platform includes a no-code interface, which makes it easier for different users across our teams to run object detection and change detection workflows without needing to write code. We can train AI models to find specific items and apply them to various datasets tied to coordinates, improving how we work with time-based or location-based image series.
Key Highlights:
- Works with drone, satellite, lidar, hyperspectral, and SAR imagery
- No-code interface for running AI-based analysis
- Supports object detection and change monitoring
- Allows model training for specific item identification
- Can be applied across different industries and use cases
Who it’s best for:
- Teams analyzing imagery without programming skills
- Users working with multi-source geospatial data
- Organizations monitoring land use or site activity
- Projects involving custom object detection models
- Analysts needing change detection tied to coordinates
Contact Information:
- Website: flypix.ai
- E-mail: info@flypix.ai
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/flypix-ai
- Address: Robert-Bosch-Str. 7, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Phone: +49 6151 2776497
2. Deep Block
Deep Block’s change detection system uses remote sensing data to identify ground-level changes by comparing two or more images taken at the same location over time. It works with EO and SAR data and detects variations in shape, size, and position of objects. The tool is used in applications such as surveillance, environmental monitoring, urban planning, and agriculture.
It supports detection of building additions, illegal constructions, land use changes, and infrastructure modifications. The system is also applied in disaster management to evaluate damage from natural hazards. Forest monitoring and climate impact assessment are additional areas where this tool is used, providing visual outputs that help in tracking deforestation, reforestation, or coastal changes.
Key Highlights:
- Detects changes from EO and SAR imagery
- Supports bi-temporal and multi-temporal analysis
- Applicable to urban, environmental, and security use cases
- Can detect infrastructure and land cover changes
- Used in disaster monitoring and damage assessment
Who it’s best for:
- Analysts monitoring urban development or public infrastructure
- Environmental and forestry researchers
- Agencies managing disaster response and risk assessment
- Users needing visual change detection maps for planning or reporting
Contact Information:
- Website: www.deepblock.net
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/deep-block-net
- Address: 21, Baekbeom-ro 31gil, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 04147
3. LCMAP Change Detection Animation
The LCMAP Change Detection Animation manages one of the world’s largest land imagery archives. Located in South Dakota, LCMAP Change Detection Animation uses satellite and aerial data to monitor how land conditions change over time. It plays a central role in operating and distributing data from the Landsat satellites.
The center provides consistent earth observation data that helps users understand changes in land use and surface conditions. This information supports decision-making in fields such as natural resource management, environmental planning, and disaster response. LCMAP Change Detection Animation delivers daily imagery that is used in long-term studies and operational monitoring.
Key Highlights:
- Manages the Landsat 8 and 9 missions
- Provides daily observations of Earth’s surface
- Supports analysis of land use, cover, and condition
- Central resource for national and global monitoring
Who it’s best for:
- Scientists conducting long-term environmental studies
- Land use planners and managers
- Government agencies tracking surface change
- Educators and students in geoscience fields
- Analysts in natural resource sectors
Contact Information:
- Website: www.usgs.gov/index.php/media/images/lcmap-change-detection-animation
- E-mail: custserv@usgs.gov
- Twitter: x.com/usgslandsat
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/usgslandsat
- Address: 47914 252nd Street Sioux Falls, SD 57198
- Phone: 800-252-4547
4. Trimble eCognition
Trimble eCognition is software designed for advanced image analysis, including change detection and feature extraction. It allows users to build their own geospatial analysis workflows and automate the interpretation of complex data. The platform supports integration of various data types such as spectral imagery, point clouds, and GIS layers.
The software can be used on desktop or in the cloud, enabling scalable and flexible analysis environments. It is intended to reduce manual effort in geospatial analysis by using rule-based models and automated workflows. eCognition is often used to turn raw geospatial data into structured information for decision-making.
Key Highlights:
- Automates change detection and feature extraction
- Supports spectral, 3D, and GIS data fusion
- Enables user-defined rule-based analysis workflows
- Works on both desktop and cloud platforms
- Designed for scalable geospatial interpretation
Who it’s best for:
- Remote sensing professionals
- GIS analysts and technicians
- Organizations managing complex geospatial datasets
- Research teams building custom geospatial workflows
- Users needing automated change detection
Contact Information:
- Website: geospatial.trimble.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrimbleSurvey
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/trimble-geospatial
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/trimblegeospatial
5. Pixxel
Pixxel is developing a network of hyperspectral imaging satellites designed for daily global Earth observation. Their satellite constellation aims to detect and monitor changes on the Earth’s surface using detailed spectral data, which captures more information than traditional imaging methods. The platform focuses on identifying and analyzing changes in areas like agriculture, forestry, environment, and climate.
They also provide analytical tools for processing hyperspectral data to extract actionable information. By combining satellite imagery with data analysis capabilities, Pixxel supports applications that require close monitoring of dynamic changes across large geographic regions.
Key Highlights:
- Hyperspectral satellite imaging for detailed surface monitoring
- Daily global coverage targeted with satellite constellation
- Tools available for analyzing and interpreting hyperspectral data
- Applications include environmental, agricultural, and industrial monitoring
- Designed to support early detection of surface-level changes
Who it’s best for:
- Environmental researchers and analysts
- Agricultural monitoring organizations
- Government agencies tracking ecological changes
- Private sector users needing frequent Earth surface data
- Organizations working with hyperspectral data applications
Contact Information:
- Website: www.pixxel.space
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pixxelspace
- Twitter: x.com/pixxelspace
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pixxelspace
- Address: 2301, Rosecrans Ave, Suite 4150, El Segundo, CA 90245
6. EarthDaily
EarthDaily provides Earth observation services using a satellite constellation and integrated analytics platform. Their system is focused on daily monitoring, change detection, and predictive insights across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, climate, and disaster risk management. Their approach combines satellite imaging with automated analytics to support operational decision-making.
Their platform supports change detection at broad scales and aims to deliver consistent, science-grade data that can be integrated into various workflows. The service includes tools to analyze, visualize, and interpret imagery in near real-time, which can help users detect activity and patterns over time.
Key Highlights:
- Provides daily Earth observation through a satellite constellation
- Focus on broad-area change detection and real-time monitoring
- Integrated analytics platform with automated insights
- Applications across agriculture, climate, risk, and insurance sectors
- Data and tools designed for operational use and planning
Who it’s best for:
- Agricultural and climate data users
- Risk and disaster management teams
- Analysts needing daily surface change monitoring
- Government bodies responsible for environmental planning
- Commercial users requiring automated geospatial insights
Contact Information:
- Website: earthdaily.com
- E-mail: sales.noram@earthdaily.com
- Twitter: x.com/EarthDailyA
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/earthdailyanalytics
- Address: 33 – 1055 Canada Pl Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3
7. SNAP (Sentinel Application Platform)
SNAP is an open-source platform developed for processing and analyzing Earth observation data, particularly from the Sentinel missions. It provides a modular structure that allows users to customize workflows using a graph processing framework. SNAP supports multiple data formats and enables integration with various image sources, GIS layers, and analytical tools.
The software is equipped with tools for image processing, change detection, geo-coding, and data visualization. It is designed to handle large datasets and offers features such as tiled memory management, bitmasking, and statistical analysis of regions of interest. Users can also build and automate complex processing chains for change monitoring and other EO applications.
Key Highlights:
- Modular, open-source platform for EO data processing
- Supports user-defined workflows using a graph-based system
- Compatible with multi-source EO data and GIS layers
- Includes tools for change detection, image enhancement, and geo-referencing
- Handles large datasets with multi-threading and memory management
Who it’s best for:
- Remote sensing specialists and researchers
- Institutions processing Sentinel satellite data
- Analysts developing custom EO workflows
- Users needing advanced processing of large EO datasets
- Developers integrating EO data with GIS and analysis tools
Contact Information:
- Website: step.esa.int
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EuropeanSpaceAgency
- Twitter: x.com/esa
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/european-space-agency
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/europeanspaceagency
8. Geoalert
Geoalert is a geospatial analytics platform that uses satellite and aerial imagery with AI-based models to support monitoring and mapping workflows. Their system enables automated analysis of locations around the world by processing large volumes of Earth observation data. This helps replace routine manual mapping tasks with machine learning-based image interpretation.
The platform offers pre-trained models and access to satellite imagery from major providers. It is designed for users who need to detect land use changes, classify features, or monitor objects and areas over time. Geoalert supports digital mapping projects that require continuous updates and scalable analysis.
Key Highlights:
- Uses AI for automated geospatial image analysis
- Supports satellite and aerial image processing
- Provides access to multiple global imagery providers
- Offers pre-trained models for land change detection
- Aimed at reducing manual cartographic work
Who it’s best for:
- Analysts working on land monitoring projects
- Cartographers automating mapping tasks
- Organizations using satellite imagery for change detection
- Urban planners and environmental researchers
- Users needing scalable mapping tools
Contact Information:
- Website: geoalert.io
- E-mail: hello@geoalert.io
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GeoAlertLtd
- Twitter: x.com/GeoalertTeam
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/geoalert
9. Collect Earth (open foris)
Collect Earth is a data collection tool that integrates with Google Earth and other mapping services to allow users to analyze high-resolution satellite imagery. It supports visual interpretation of land cover, land use, and forest inventory data, and is commonly used in environmental monitoring and land assessment projects.
Users can conduct surveys to validate maps, assess land use change, and collect spatial or socio-economic data. The platform is highly customizable and allows data export in widely used formats. It is suited for tasks such as forest monitoring, agricultural mapping, and deforestation tracking.
Key Highlights:
- Integrates with Google Earth and Bing Maps
- Supports land use and forest inventory assessments
- Allows visual analysis of high-resolution imagery
- Enables export of collected data for further use
- Useful for validating existing land use maps
Who it’s best for:
- Forestry and land use researchers
- Organizations monitoring deforestation
- Analysts conducting map validation
- Environmental field survey teams
- Users needing customizable data collection tools
Contact Information:
- Website: openforis.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/OpenForis
- Twitter: x.com/OpenForis
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/open-foris
10. Whitebox
Whitebox is a geospatial analysis software developed at the University of Guelph with a focus on processing geospatial data, not cartographic visualization. It uses parallel computing for performance and does not require external libraries like GDAL.
Whitebox is designed to serve as a backend analysis engine and can be integrated with platforms such as QGIS or ArcGIS. It supports use in scripting environments and provides toolsets for spatial analysis workflows, including Python-based processing. Its functionality includes support for raster operations, classification, filtering, and point cloud manipulation.
Key Highlights:
- No need for external libraries like GDAL
- Supports LiDAR and hydrological analysis
- Python workflow integration
- Serves as a backend engine for GIS platforms
Who it’s best for:
- Users needing backend tools for geospatial workflows
- Researchers analyzing terrain and hydrological systems
- Teams working with LiDAR and raster data
- Developers building custom geospatial tools in Python
Contact Information:
- Website: www.whiteboxgeo.com
- E-mail: support@whiteboxgeo.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Whitebox-Geospatial
- Twitter: x.com/whiteboxgeo
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-lindsay-phd
11. Capella Space
Capella Space provides Earth observation capabilities using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. Their satellite constellation is designed to collect radar imagery regardless of weather conditions or time of day, allowing users to monitor changes in the Earth’s surface without relying on optical visibility. SAR imaging is useful for detecting structural changes, terrain movement, and surface activity over time.
They offer radar data products for both government and commercial users across various fields such as security, disaster monitoring, and environmental observation. The platform is used to support operational monitoring, situational awareness, and long-term change detection by delivering consistent and repeatable observations.
Key Highlights:
- Uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging
- Enables observation regardless of cloud cover or lighting
- Provides repeatable imagery for surface change monitoring
- Supports government and commercial applications
- Designed for use in active monitoring and analysis
Who it’s best for:
- Analysts tracking changes in difficult weather conditions
- Security and defense users monitoring strategic locations
- Environmental and infrastructure monitoring teams
- Organizations needing consistent revisit imagery
- Users requiring radar-based Earth observation data
Contact Information:
- Website: www.capellaspace.com
- E-mail: info@capellaspace.com
- Twitter: x.com/capellaspace
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/capella-space
- Address: California 438 Shotwell Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
12. Satellogic
Satellogic operates a satellite constellation focused on high-resolution and high-frequency Earth observation. Their approach is based on a vertically integrated model, where the company builds, launches, and operates its own satellites. This allows them to deliver imagery and geospatial data with frequent updates to support monitoring and analysis at scale.
They serve sectors such as agriculture, energy, forestry, and environmental management. The system is aimed at making satellite data more accessible to users who need to understand land use changes, resource distribution, and surface activity. The platform is used in both public and private sector applications.
Key Highlights:
- High-resolution imaging from an owned satellite network
- Frequent observation cycles for tracking land changes
- Vertical integration from satellite development to data delivery
- Supports multiple industries including agriculture and energy
- Offers scalable monitoring for surface-level change
Who it’s best for:
- Organizations monitoring large-scale land use
- Users in agriculture and resource management
- Public sector teams needing regular surface data
- Analysts requiring updated imagery for decision-making
- Companies tracking activity across remote regions
Contact Information:
- Website: satellogic.com
- E-mail: info@satellogic.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/satellogic
- Twitter: x.com/satellogic
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/satellogic
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/satellogic
- Address: 210 Delburg St., Davidson, NC 28036
13. SkyWatch
SkyWatch focuses on simplifying access to satellite imagery through an API-based platform. Their system aggregates data from multiple Earth observation sources, allowing users to request and integrate imagery into applications and workflows without dealing directly with satellite operators. This helps reduce technical barriers for organizations that rely on geospatial data.
The platform supports commercial applications across sectors like agriculture, insurance, and infrastructure monitoring. Users can access historical and current imagery to monitor changes, assess conditions, or validate field-level observations. SkyWatch is designed to help non-expert users work with satellite data more easily.
Key Highlights:
- API platform for accessing satellite imagery
- Aggregates data from multiple EO sources
- Designed to simplify integration into apps and workflows
- Supports commercial applications needing imagery
- Provides historical and near real-time data access
Who it’s best for:
- Developers integrating geospatial data into apps
- Businesses needing EO data without technical complexity
- Analysts requiring on-demand satellite imagery
- Users validating field data or conditions
- Organizations with limited experience in remote sensing
Contact Information:
- Website: skywatch.com
14. Terrascope
Terrascope is a platform that provides access to Earth observation data collected by European satellites. It allows users to view, download, and process satellite imagery, making it easier to monitor changes in vegetation, water, and land use over time. The platform supports analysis through time series and enables users to work directly with EO data or integrate third-party services.
In addition to data access, Terrascope offers the EOplaza, a space where users can find or offer Earth observation services. This setup connects service providers with users who need tools for environmental monitoring, resource management, or land change detection. The platform is aimed at supporting a wide range of operational and research-based applications.
Key Highlights:
- Access to satellite data from European missions
- Tools for viewing, downloading, and processing EO data
- Time series functionality for change monitoring
- EOplaza connects users with EO service providers
- Supports both analysis and service distribution
Who it’s best for:
- Environmental analysts monitoring vegetation or land use
- Researchers working with satellite time series
- Users needing access to European EO data
- Service providers offering EO-based applications
- Organizations conducting regional or global monitoring
Contact Information:
- Website: terrascope.be
- E-mail: info@terrascope.be
- Twitter: x.com/Terrascope_BE
- Address: Boeretang 200 2400 Mol België
- Phone: +32 14 33 58 07
15. Earth Blox
Earth Blox is a platform that simplifies access to environmental and climate data for use in decision-making. It is designed to support risk assessment and sustainability planning by turning satellite and geospatial data into insight across sectors like finance, operations, and compliance. The system helps organizations understand land use change, climate exposure, and nature-related risks.
Their tools are used to translate complex environmental data into outputs that can inform strategies and track sustainability goals. Earth Blox supports users who need clear and practical insight from satellite-based observations, without requiring advanced technical knowledge or custom software development.
Key Highlights:
- Transforms EO and climate data into decision-ready insights
- Supports risk, sustainability, and compliance teams
- Designed to be used without specialized technical skills
- Focused on land change, climate exposure, and nature risk
- Provides a practical interface for applying environmental data
Who it’s best for:
- Businesses assessing climate or land-related risks
- Sustainability and ESG teams
- Decision-makers needing actionable EO insights
- Organizations tracking nature-based performance
- Users without deep technical backgrounds in EO
Contact Information:
- Website: www.earthblox.io
- E-mail: team@earthblox.io
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/earthblox
- Twitter: x.com/earthblox
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/earthblox
- Address: 5 South Gyle Crescent Lane, Edinburgh, EH12 9EG
Conclusion
Change detection tools play an important role in Earth observation by helping us monitor shifts in land use, vegetation, infrastructure, and other surface features over time. These tools support a wide range of applications, from environmental analysis and disaster response to agriculture, forestry, and urban planning. By using data from satellites, drones, and other sources, they provide consistent methods for identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies.
As the availability of geospatial data continues to grow, the ability to process and analyze that information effectively becomes even more critical. Whether through automated AI platforms, customizable software, or satellite-integrated services, change detection tools offer practical solutions for tracking how the Earth’s surface evolves. Choosing the right tool depends on the type of data needed, technical skills available, and the specific goals of each project.