SAT-WATCH: Satellite-Connected IoT Sensing & AI Analytics for Real‑Time Detection of Illegal Resource Extraction in Ghana (Africa)

Traditional monitoring relies on periodic satellite imagery, which is slow and bandwidth-heavy. SAT‑WATCH introduces a fusion approach:

• Ground-level IoT sensors (detecting soil disturbance, acoustic signals, environmental changes).

• Satellite modems for low-power, event-driven data transmission from remote areas.

• Cloud-based AI analytics for multi-sensor fusion, anomaly detection, and alerting.

• Optional satellite imagery for corroboration when alerts are triggered.

• Community inputs to enhance situational awareness

Key Components

1. Field-Deployable Sensor Nodes

2. Edge AI & Cloud Analytic

3. Satellite Integration

4. Mobile App integration

Technical Workflow

Sensors detect micro-signals → Edge AI processes and compresses → Data sent via satellite → Cloud analytics fuses multi-sensor data → Alerts generated → Optional imagery corroboration → Enforcement notified.

Levels of the Solution

• Detection Layer: IoT sensors + edge AI for real-time anomaly scoring.

• Communication Layer: Satellite connectivity for remote data transfer.

• Analytics Layer: Cloud-based fusion, geofencing, and alerting.

• Validation Layer: Satellite imagery integration for confidence scoring.

• Operational Layer: Pilots, training, and community engagement.