Google Unveils AI-Based Virtual Satellite Framework: “AlphaEarth Foundations”

In a groundbreaking move, Google has launched AlphaEarth Foundations, a next-gen framework functioning as an AI-powered virtual satellite. This innovative system merges vast datasets—including satellite imagery, radar scans, and climate models—into a powerful model that monitors Earth’s surface with 10×10 meter precision.

Unlike traditional methods, this AI-powered virtual satellite assigns detailed characteristics—like vegetation types, water boundaries, and surface materials—to each grid, using 16x less storage. This leads to faster processing and drastically reduced data costs.

Google highlighted AlphaEarth’s real-world applications, such as deforestation tracking, ecosystem mapping, and smart agriculture. Organizations like MapBiomas and the Global Ecosystems Atlas are already leveraging its capabilities.

Now publicly accessible via Google Earth Engine, this framework empowers scientists and institutions worldwide with advanced Earth monitoring tools.

“AlphaEarth Foundations marks a major milestone in understanding the state of our planet,” stated Google.