Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for potential launching customers

The following page gathers questions and answers from members of organizations that have expressed interest.

What is the proposed activity?

The proposed activity involves developing the “Sand Tracer” application, which will be used to monitor and manage dunes. The project aims to create a European network to study blowing sand and improve dune management.

What is Sand Tracer?

Sand Tracer is a software tool that uses high-resolution satellite imagery, LiDAR data and wind data to monitor sand drift in dune areas. Its primary goal is to aid in achieving biodiversity objectives.

What is the market opportunity addressed by the proposed services?

The market opportunity lies in assisting organizations responsible for managing and monitoring coastal areas. This includes government agencies and organizations dedicated to nature conservation and water safety. The tool will enhance their management practices and allow for the quantitative demonstration of their efforts to improve biodiversity.

What are the customer needs or problems Sand Tracer addresses?

Current methods for monitoring dune management practices are expensive and inefficient. Sand Tracer offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for monitoring sand drift, thereby improving the efficiency of dune management efforts. The tool is expected to facilitate better decision-making regarding the placement and maintenance of sand traps and notches for biodiversity and water safety purposes.

What is the motivation of the bidder (HKV) and partners involved?

HKV is a research and consultancy firm specialising in water safety and water management. They have expertise in the field of data science and are involved in the development of nature-based solutions. Their motivation for developing Sand Tracer is to provide a valuable tool for coastal management and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this area. The partners involved are organizations responsible for dune management, and they are motivated by the prospect of having a more efficient and cost-effective way to monitor their efforts.

What is the co-funding model?

The ESA Kick-Start activity will fund 75% of the project, up to €75,000. The remaining 25% needs to be covered by co-funding from partners. Co-funding can be provided in-kind or in-cash. In-kind contributions could involve partners providing satellite and LiDAR data. In-cash contributions could be in the range of €5,500 to €7,500 per partner, depending on the number of partners involved.

What are the potential benefits for investing partners?

Investing partners will gain access to the Sand Tracer tool, enhancing their dune and coastal management practices. In line with trends like Switzerland’s EMBAG legislation, which promotes transparency and open access in software, we aim to make parts of Sand Tracer accessible and adaptable. Partners will also benefit from HKV’s expertise, networking with European coastal organizations, and participating in workshops to shape the tool. Additionally, our approach supports the integration of analysis results into existing systems, aligning with the push toward open, collaborative software development.

What is the timeline for the project?

The submission deadline for the ESA Kick-Start call is November 20, 2024 for the thematic Kick-Start NBS, or January 31, 2025 for the open Kick-Start call. A Kick-Start project is a six-month feasibility study structured into three main phases. The first phase involves engaging potential customers and gathering user stories to capture their specific needs. The second phase focuses on designing the technical service architecture, and the final phase outlines the next steps for developing the service in collaboration with these potential customers. The detailed timeline for each phase will be established upon project approval.