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Imagery aids researchers in measuring soil salinity Researchers estimate that nearly one billion hectares, the equivalent of seven percent of the earth's continental surface, is affected by high salt accumulation. Although salt is a natural element of soils and water, excess levels of salinity are taking a toll on both the environment and agricultural production around the world. While researchers have long studied the problem, today high-resolution satellite imagery is providing new insight into the identification of affected areas. The presence of salt is a natural occurrence in soils. It is naturally flushed or leached out of the land in areas with sufficient amounts of precipitation. However, a number of human practices are interrupting the natural process and the consequences are significant, including detrimental effects on plant growth and yield, damage to infrastructure such as roads, cables and pipes, reduction of water quality and increased levels of soil erosion. A growing need to control salinity CENTRE FOR GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS (CGA)/SOIL SALINITY info@maxar.com maxar.com Centre for geographical analysis salinity study The Centre for Geographical Analysis (CGA) is a self-funded research and service institution of South Africa's Stellenbosch University. Using GIS, satellite remotely sensed data and other geographical analytical techniques, the CGA conducts basic and applied research on environmental, urban and regional development problems for private, public and academic institutions. In 2013 the CGA undertook a study of soil salinity throughout South Africa. "As a prestigious research institution, the CGA has very specific requirements for its projects," says Dillon Panizzolo, production manger for Maxar partner GEO Data Design of Cape Town, South Africa. According to the CGA director, Adriaan Van Niekerk, soil salinity can vary significantly over very short distances. "High-resolution imagery was essential to the success of the project," say Van Niekerk. "WorldView-2's blue, green, red and infrared spectral bands proved to be ideal for our needs." company information The Centre for Geographical Analysis (CGA) is a self funded research and service institution of the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The CGA conducts basic and applied research on environmental, urban and regional development problems through utilization of geographical analytical methods. case study C A P E T O W N SOUTH AFRICA