Space-based services for migration prevention and management 

In 2020, 82.4 million people around the world were forced from their homes. The ESA-backed BIGMIG project based on EO (Earth Observation) and GNSS capabilities enables NGOs to monitor migration routes and detect early warning of humanitarian crises, facilitating the prevention and management of forced migration.

Source: UNHCR

The BIGMIG service aims at alleviating forced migration through the use of space-based big data. It provides tools able to help NGOs and other aid and development organisations in migration prevention and management. It includes the use of several space-based technologies such as satellite imagery, VHR (very high resolution) optical imagery and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The space assets allow to monitor natural resources and migrations routes, to detect a decrease in crop production as an indicator of forced migration and early warning of humanitarian crisis, to improve agricultural production, and to detect damaged road networks, buildings and infrastructures in the aftermath of a natural disaster.