Environmental data services

Actionable environmental insights, delivered globally

At the University of Stirling we measure, monitor, capture, analyse, and report on environmental data—providing powerful insights to enhance environmental security worldwide. 

International products

We provide a global service with expertise in Earth Observation. We make use of international satellites to measure, monitor and report on a range of land, air and water environmental parameters. Information is captured in a comprehensive data resource library and supplemented with precise near real-time data.

Bespoke regional products

We have expertise in using drones, and capturing ground-truth data using sensor arrays in the field.

Our team of skilled scientists and technicians uses cutting-edge tools like AI, machine learning, and advanced algorithms to transform raw data into actionable insights. The result? Intelligent solutions that empower decision-making, safeguard assets, and enhance citizen wellbeing.

Let us help you bring your environmental challenges into sharper focus.

Measuring environmental challenges

water

Mitigating water quality and flood risks using satellite technology. 

land and trees

Measuring and monitoring performance of woodland and peatland.  

Sky

Monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality to reduce pollution. 

The University of Stirling partnerships on international water projects

We are actively involved in several water-related projects where our earth observation skills come to the fore. We are committed to advancing the field of Earth observation, particularly in monitoring and managing aquatic ecosystems both within the UK and internationally. 

Lending scientific expertise to Global Observatory of Lake Responses to Environmental Change (GloboLakes)

GloboLakes is a pioneering project that analyses satellite data spanning over 20 years to monitor more than 1,000 large lakes worldwide. The project aims to understand how lakes respond to environmental changes by assessing factors such as surface water temperature, concentrations of coloured dissolved organic matter, suspended solids, and phytoplankton abundance.

The University of Stirling leads GloboLakes, bringing together a consortium of scientists with expertise in remote sensing, freshwater ecology, and environmental statistics. The University's Earth and Planetary Observation Research Group has been instrumental in developing algorithms and processing satellite data to retrieve biogeochemical and physical parameters of lakes.

Innovative data processing chain for UK Lakes Observatory (UKLO)

The UKLO is a prototype operational service that provides information on water quality for over 900 UK water bodies using satellite observations. It utilises data from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites to produce weekly estimates of phytoplankton chlorophyll-a concentrations at a 20-meter resolution.

Our researchers at the University of Stirling have developed the innovative processing chain that underpins UKLO. This includes advanced atmospheric correction techniques and dynamic algorithms tailored to the optical characteristics of individual lakes, significantly enhancing the accuracy of chlorophyll-a estimations.

DANUBIUS-RI (The International Centre for Advanced Studies on River-Sea Systems) Earth Observation to enhance understanding of river-sea systems

DANUBIUS-RI is a pan-European research infrastructure dedicated to studying river-sea systems. It integrates various scientific disciplines to address challenges related to environmental change, sustainable resource management, and ecosystem services in these transitional environments.

The University of Stirling's Earth and Planetary Observation Research Group contributes to the Observation Node of DANUBIUS-RI. Their work involves developing global observatories from space and integrating Earth observation data to enhance the understanding and management of river-sea systems.

Supporting the development of optical water quality products - Copernicus Evolution – Research for Transitional-water Observations (CERTO) 

CERTO aims to harmonise and enhance optical water quality products across various aquatic environments, including oceans, coastal areas, estuaries, and lakes. The project seeks to develop standardized methodologies and tools to monitor complex transitional waters, addressing gaps in current Copernicus services.

The University of Stirling contributes to CERTO by bringing together key in-situ datasets and testing methods across different water bodies. Our expertise in Earth observation and water quality monitoring supports the development of harmonised methodologies for optical water quality services.

Contact us

Let’s discuss how we can support your organisation.

Scotland’s International Environment Centre

This work falls under the remit of Scotland’s International Environment Centre and is funded by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. It is a £90.2m investment from the UK Government and Scottish Government in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region.

Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8m, resulting in a deal worth more than £214m, to be delivered over the next 10 to 15 years.

Case studies

Our case studies show how technology and science can work together to build a more sustainable future.

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Gartmorn Dam

Our partnerships

The scale and scope of the work being undertaken by the University of Stirling under the banner of Scotland’s International Environment Centre, cannot be achieved by working independently. We rely on fellow researchers, partners and stakeholders to help turn ambitious plans into reality.

See the different organisation we've worked with

Sustainable Development Goals

How our work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Quality Education (Goal 4)
  • Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6)
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Goal 9)  
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11)
  • Climate Action  (Goal 13)
  • Life Below Water (Goal 14)
  • Life on Land  (Goal 15)
  • Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17)

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