In September, Oliver Stimmer, Head of Space Domain at Datel, participated in an event organized by the Spanish Smart Cities Network (RECI). RECI brings together over 150 municipalities, with the primary goal of helping cities implement smart city digital technologies that improve the quality of the living environment and boost urban efficiency and competitiveness.
Datel offers local governments a service for detecting and monitoring unauthorized construction—Catanova—developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). The first successful projects have already been implemented in Spain.
Managing unauthorized construction can be a significant challenge for municipalities.
Traditional inspection methods often require considerable time, resources, and fieldwork. Catanova helps authorities identify potential violations more efficiently by using Earth observation data to detect changes in the built environment and monitor development activities over time.
The solution enables municipalities to prioritize inspections, and respond more quickly to potential infringements.
Datel's approach goes beyond identifying suspicious construction activities. To support the entire enforcement process, the company has also developed a dedicated case management system that helps municipalities manage documentation, communication, and decision-making workflows.
By combining AI-powered monitoring with digital case handling, municipalities can significantly reduce administrative workload, improve process transparency, and minimize the need for resource-intensive on-site inspections.
The first successful Catanova projects have already been implemented in Spain, demonstrating how satellite-based monitoring and digital workflows can support more efficient urban planning and regulatory enforcement.
As cities continue their digital transformation journey, innovative space-based technologies are becoming increasingly valuable tools for local governments seeking smarter ways to manage urban development, optimize resources, and provide better services to citizens.
Datel remains committed to helping municipalities leverage the power of Earth observation, geospatial intelligence, and digital innovation to build smarter, more sustainable communities.