There is no question deep learning and artificial intelligence techniques have transformed remote sensing, computer vision, and spatial analysis. Until now, most efforts would have had to code their efforts, segment or semantically segment data, and then also layer and parallelize their code to run on high performance or cloud-based systems. While this may not be a major issue for those with software engineering backgrounds, it was a restriction for those interested in conducting spatial and remote sensing analysis to have these additional skills. A new tool, called Picterra (https://picterra.ch/) which was discussed by Julien Rebetez in a recent Mapscaping podcast, enables a relatively easy to use interface that allows users to upload remote sensing images whereby users can identify and train an automated detector to find and detect objects of interest. This means that Web Map Service (WMS) and other raster data could be used directly for deep learning-based spatial analysis by those with minimal experience in artificial intelligence techniques.

ArcGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) for working with maps and geographic information. Developed by Esri over 20 years ago, it is widely used for creating maps, analyzing mapped information, managing geographic information, compiling geographic data, and finally sharing and discovering geographic information. Our plugin allows you to detect objects and patterns with machine learning without leaving ArcGIS – it perfectly integrates with the workflow. Picterra is a web platform that leverages AI to put object detection and image segmentation on geospatial imagery at your fingertips. But as an ArcGIS Pro user, you may not want to switch between tools multiple times a day, and (rightly so) prefer to be able to do everything within your GIS software. This is the reason why we've developed the ArcGIS add-in for Picterra.

Picterra, a Swiss AI-based SaaS platform allows users to interactively create a personalized AI detecting, localizing and counting any objects from satellite and aerial imagery. The company aims to democratize geospatial mapping, and its platform bridges the gap between Earth Observation (EO) imagery, cloud processing and geospatial insights by commoditizing Machine Learning technology. From precision agriculture to utilities and infrastructure, Picterra serves a wide variety of clients and provides customized services. Its main partners are geospatial and UAV mapping professionals looking to derive insights and actionable information for specific verticals based off large or heavy EO imagery set. The Picterra platform allows users to seamlessly integrate cutting edge machine learning technology into their existing workflow, so they can focus on their core business while achieving quick return on investment.

Along with the hardware and software sectors, the drone services market is the largest segment in the commercial drone industry with the strongest expansion. According to the market research report "Global Drone Service Market Analysis & Trends – Industry Forecast to 2025", the drone services market is estimated at USD 4.4 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 63.6 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 55.9% from 2019 to 2025. This is a huge opportunity for drone service providers. The key for capturing a share of this growing market is to offer turnkey business solutions beyond data capture, such as mapping, surveying and specialized geospatial analytics. With more and more business relying on location data to optimize their day-to-day operations and planning or gain first-hand market insights.

Here the human intelligence in charge is telling the AI model to have a look at these sections of the image. At this stage, only the human knows what is in the selected spots --sheep on a background in full shadow, sheep on the grass, and sheep on the bare ground. Defining areas where you know there are not examples of your object of interest helps the algorithm by enabling it to understand what you are NOT looking for looks like. The AI model will use these sections of your image as counterexamples. It is particularly helpful to draw the attention of the algorithm to areas where you have objects that look similar to your object of interest, but which are not that for which you are looking.

Picterra combines deep learning with human expertise to help you extract structured insights from Earth observation imagery. Our AI platform is designed to help you process a large volume of aerial or satellite images, detect objects and trends, and monitor change over any area or period of interest, enabling you to unlock key insights, all from your desk with just a few clicks. AI that works for you. We provide a powerful all-in-one AI feature-extraction, classification, and change detection solution. This makes your work easier by streamlining your geospatial analytic processes and producing higher quality results.