East View Expands South China Sea Imaging Capabilities

The South China Sea serves as an international crossroads of culture, commerce and security interests, with 20 percent of the world’s population residing within 100 kilometers from the region. Contested by multiple nations with territorial claims, the South China Sea harbors natural resources, as well as geopolitical significance. About one-quarter of the world’s traded goods are delivered through the Strait of Malacca, which is located in the South China Sea between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.

East View now holds authoritative geospatial foundation data from affected states in the South China Sea. East View analysts derive territorial claims and other insights from atlases, nautical and aeronautical charts, administrative maps, and topographic, geological and geophysical series produced by national mapping agencies.

In addition to authoritative foundation data, with increased satellite data feeds from imagery providers, East View can now image the South China Sea on a consistent basis. From the Fiery Cross Reef, to the Strait of Malacca, analysts can detect change for area hotspots or monitor the region as a whole at preferred intervals.

With access to real-time and archived imaging data, East View Geospatial also offers anticipatory and trend analysis services. Analysts can monitor a specific object of interest, such as a group of Filipino fisherman or Chinese vessels, and analyze past imagery of similar targets to anticipate new developments and future possibilities.

Images: Chinese-produced nautical chart showing Spratly archipelago and Philippine island of Palawan, Satellite imagery of the developments on Fiery Cross Reef from January 2016 , and April 2016.