The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has introduced a program that seeks to develop a cloud-based repository for Defense Department geospatial analysts to access commercial satellite imagery.
DARPA said Wednesday it aims to create the Geospatial Cloud Analytics platform as part of efforts to help DoD detect, monitor, analyze and track global events for deployed U.S. forces.
GCA will be designed to aggregate large amounts of open source and commercial satellite data via synthetic aperture radar, optical and radio frequency modes in a common repository equipped with automated curation tools.
“The goal of GCA is to provide a secure cloud-based platform that automatically curates multi-source global data and metadata, allowing analysts to focus their attention and expertise on analysis—not data collection, aggregation, and curation,†said Joe Evans, program manager at DARPA’s strategic technology office.
DARPA also looks to pilot a cloud-based delivery model that would allow companies to offer analytics services and applications through a competitive marketplace.
A GCA proposers day is scheduled to take place in Arlington, Virginia, on Oct. 18.
