Changguang Satellite launches world's 1st HD annual global map

Remote-sensing commercial satellite manufacturer Changguang Satellite Technology Co – based in Changchun, capital of Northeast China's Jilin province – on Sept 2 launched the world's first high-definition annual global map, the Jilin-1 Global Map.

The map – created from 1.2 million selected images out of 6.9 million captured by the Jilin-1 satellite series – covers 1.3 billion square kilometers, excluding Antarctica and Greenland.

With a resolution of 0.5 meters and less than 2-percent cloud cover, the company says the map sets new global standards. It is said to offer unparalleled data quality and applications potential across various sectors – including agriculture, natural resources and environmental protection.

The achievement is seen as highlighting Changguang Satellite's decade-long innovation journey.

Since its establishment in 2014, the company has become a leader in China's commercial space sector, significantly advancing the remote sensing information industry.

The Jilin-1 satellite series has undergone four major technological breakthroughs, reducing the satellite weight from 400 kilograms to 20 kg and cutting costs to one-twentieth of their original level.

In the process, the company has grown from a small team to nearly 1,000 employees, with over 90 percent holding master's degrees or higher.

As Changguang Satellite marks its 10th anniversary, it is continuing to enhance its capabilities, with plans to produce 200 satellites annually and expand its data storage capacity to 1,400 PB. As such, the Jilin-1 Global Map is understood to signify a significant milestone in global remote sensing, providing vital data for industries worldwide.