Our solutions
Asbestos roofing census
Home > Cities and territories
Sector: Cities and territories
Activity: Earth observation
Disciplines: Artificial intelligence
In 2022, the voluntary period for the removal of asbestos in the European Union will end, and by 2028, the wholescale removal must have been completed. All councils in Spain will be obliged to draft a census of locations containing asbestos alongside a calendar scheduling the removal of this cancerous material. In 2033, the European Union will be declared an Asbestos Free Space.


Solution
In the AGEO (Geospatial Analysis and Earth Observation) Division at COTESA an algorithm has been devised for the detection of roofs containing asbestos through the use of satellite images at very-high resolution (VHR). This solution enables the drafting of an asbestos inventory with the aim of helping local bodies control and schedule their removal and thus lessen their impact on people’s health.

In-house algorithm based on AI

Customisable with specific adaptation for each city

Proven tool covering over more than 500km squared

Service featuring online viewer displaying results

Accuracy levels greater than 90%


Benefits
- Automatic and swift updating of the inventory of infrastructures containing asbestos.
- Overseeing of removed panels and replacement of asbestos-based materials.
- Cost saving vis-à-vis air travel and field visits.
- Applicable anywhere worldwide.
- Automatic and swift updating of the inventory of infrastructures containing asbestos.
- Overseeing of removed panels and replacement of asbestos-based materials.
- Cost saving vis-à-vis air travel and field visits.
- Applicable anywhere worldwide.

Success story
MADRID CITY COUNCIL
COTESA has carried out stocktaking for the Madrid City Council of all roofs containing asbestos using satellite imaging.

Resource

Technological elements used
- Satellite imaging
- Advanced remote sensing
- Artificial intelligence
Find out more

Aurelio García Rochera
Director del Área de AGEO (Análisis Geoespacial y Observación de la Tierra)