Under a new collaboration, we are participating in the European Space Agency (ESA) Space for Construction Monitoring programme. The aim of the development is to deliver a service built on satellite-based Earth observation data and BIM-driven digital twin models, enabling more accurate and transparent monitoring of construction progress—particularly in the case of large-scale or multi-site developments.
Construction monitoring on a new foundation
Reliable, real-time monitoring of construction projects is becoming increasingly challenging across the industry. With the support of the European Space Agency, we are therefore developing a solution that incorporates space technologies to address this challenge. Traditional on-site inspections are time- and resource-intensive and difficult to scale for large projects. The joint development by Paulinyi & Partners and ESA offers an innovative approach to construction monitoring, providing regular and automated oversight based on satellite data.
SaSCA: Where satellite data meets BIM
At the core of the project is the SaSCA (Satellite Scanning and Construction Analytics) service, which uses optical and radar satellite imagery to track changes occurring on construction sites and compares them with planned schedules. The solution enables the identification of construction phase progress, early detection of deviations from plans, and the generation of automated reports for investors and project managers.
More sustainable operations, fewer site visits, earlier risk detection
By integrating satellite data with 4D and 5D BIM–based construction monitoring, the solution elevates decision support to a new level. Thanks to an external and independent data source, scheduling and cost risks can be identified during construction, rather than only retrospectively.
Looking at the broader perspective, the joint development also has the potential to support more sustainable construction practices. By reducing the number of on-site inspections, it can help lower the environmental impact associated with travel, while increasing overall project transparency.
Continuity in ESA collaboration
This is not the first collaboration between Paulinyi & Partners and the European Space Agency. In 2023, the parties entered into a cooperation agreement under the Space for Green Construction programme, which focused on developing Earth observation–based solutions to improve urban climate performance.
Both the earlier initiative and the current development align with our group’s long-term innovation strategy, which seeks to apply data-driven, digital solutions across the entire lifecycle of the construction industry.
(Paulinyi & Partners Zrt. is participating in the ARTES 4.0 Downstream Applications programme within the framework of the European Space Agency’s Space for Construction Monitoring call. The project is implemented with the support of the European Space Agency; the views expressed in this communication do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Space Agency.)
