Google's 'virtual satellite' AI model can provide a near real-time view of Earth

Google's new AI model, AlphaEarth Foundations, acts as a virtual satellite, processing vast public data. It uses an embedding system to combine data from various sources, including satellites and climate simulations. The model analyzes 10x10 meter land and water squares, color-coding them to show characteristics like vegetation. AlphaEarth Foundations creates compact summaries of this data, requiring significantly less storage than comparable systems. This data allows scientists to create detailed maps for various purposes, such as monitoring crop health and deforestation. Google claims the model performed exceptionally well in tests across different time periods. The model's Satellite Embedding dataset was shared with over 50 organizations for real-world testing. The dataset is now publicly available through Google Earth Engine. This advancement significantly improves our understanding of Earth's changing dynamics. The model's efficiency and accessibility make it a valuable tool for environmental research.