NSSA conducts census of palm trees in Bahrain using artificial intelligence

Manama, July 10 (BNA): The National Space Sciences Agency (NSSA) has completed a census it has conducted to determine the number of palm trees in the kingdom, based on high-resolution images and accurate space data. The study is in line with NSSA’s strategic goal of meeting the national needs through providing space data and earth observation information that serve the national comprehensive development march and contribute to space scientific progress. Commenting, Space Data Analyst, Shaima Al-Meer, said that the study had been conducted by NSSA’s Lab for Processing Satellite Images and Data in a relatively record time, by using artificial intelligence techniques to deal with the huge data collected over the past months through satellites orbiting in the near space of the Earth and monitoring changes on its surface. She indicated that the study is an important source of information for the relevant government agencies, as it provides accurate and reliable results related to agricultural development, environment protection and food security. Space Data Analyst, Aysha Al-Hajeri, said that the study is the second of its kind to be carried out in Bahrain in 24 months, expressing pride in contributing to the study that serves the nation. She added that the study showed a 16% increase in the number of palm trees in the kingdom compared with the previous study, reflecting the kingdom’s successful plantation and food security policies.