Space Data Releases "Snowstorm & Avalanche" for AI Simulation of Heavy Snowfall and Avalanche Risks

Space Data, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kohei Sato; hereinafter "Space Data") has released "Snowstorm & Avalanche," a new simulation for the Geo-Resilience domain of its space AI platform "SpaceBrain." This new simulation targets heavy snowfall and avalanche risks.

Using AI, it analyzes avalanche danger levels on a 5-point scale based on the internal state of snowpack (new snow, snow depth, weak layers, slabs, stability) and the topography and meteorological conditions of slopes. It can simulate avalanche propagation from the starting zone to the impact area, as well as the spread of snowfall and blizzards, all within a 3D space that reproduces real terrain.

Background of Development

Approximately half of Japan's landmass is designated as heavy snowfall areas. Disasters caused by snow, such as avalanches, blizzards, disruption of transportation and logistics, and isolation of communities, pose a nationwide risk that is not limited to specific regions. In recent years, the number of domestic and international visitors to mountainous and ski areas has been increasing, further heightening the importance of preparedness for avalanche accidents.

The danger level of avalanches is determined by a complex interplay of multiple factors, including slope inclination, heavy snowfall over a short period, weak layers (layers prone to collapse) formed within the snowpack, wind-blown snow drifts (wind slabs), and temperature. In particular, the internal structure of the snowpack cannot be observed from the outside, making it difficult even for experts to grasp "which slopes are currently dangerous" over an area.

Space Data leverages its strengths in satellite data analysis and planet-scale digital twin technology. Through "Geo-Resilience," the company has been engaged in disaster risk assessment for typhoons, heavy rain, floods, and lightning strikes. Now, by expanding its scope to include snow-related disasters, Space Data aims to analyze and simulate the risk structure of invisible internal snowpack using AI, presenting it in an intuitively understandable format for everyone.

Main Features of "Snowstorm & Avalanche"

AI Analysis of Avalanche Danger Based on Internal Snowpack Conditions: AI analyzes the internal snowpack conditions, such as new snow, snow depth, weak layers, slabs, and stability, in conjunction with factors like slope inclination and temperature, to determine avalanche danger levels on an internationally recognized 5-point scale (Low to Extreme).

Real-time Simulation Based on Changing Conditions: When snowfall, wind, temperature, or snowpack conditions change, the danger level is instantly re-analyzed. Users can interactively examine the risk structure, understanding "under which conditions the danger rapidly increases."

Extraction of Dangerous Slopes and 3D Reproduction of Avalanche Propagation: The system automatically extracts and highlights steep slopes prone to avalanches on actual terrain data. It then simulates in 3D the range of avalanche propagation from the starting zone along the runout path. The flow of snow according to snowfall, blizzards, and wind direction is also reproduced, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the situation in three dimensions.

Includes Typical Avalanche Risk Scenarios: The system includes typical avalanche risk patterns as scenarios, such as heavy snowfall in mountainous areas, backcountry on steep slopes, coastal snow, formation of wind slabs, and wet snow avalanches during the melting season. Users can switch and compare meteorological conditions and snowpack states with a single click.

*The numerical data regarding snowpack and weather in this simulation are currently representative values based on publicly available information. Integration with actual data such as real-time weather observations and snowpack measurements will be pursued as a future expansion, with plans to deploy it to heavy snowfall and mountainous regions nationwide.

Future Outlook

Space Data plans to further enhance the analysis capabilities of "Snowstorm & Avalanche" by refining slope and runout path analysis based on Digital Elevation Models (DEM), integrating real-time meteorological data such as snowfall, temperature, and wind, as well as snowpack observation data, and incorporating avalanche hazard maps.

Furthermore, as part of the "Geo-Resilience" initiative, Space Data aims to develop a comprehensive disaster risk assessment platform that supports everything from prediction to damage assessment, early warning, and decision-making support, covering a wide range of disasters from meteorological events to snow damage, landslides, wildfires, and tsunamis. This will contribute to disaster prevention and crisis management for governments, municipalities, and infrastructure operators, as well as strengthening the resilience of society as a whole.

For organizations involved in disaster prevention and crisis management, such as government agencies, municipalities, and infrastructure operators, Space Data offers detailed service explanations and demonstrations of "Snowstorm & Avalanche." If you are interested, please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form below.

About Space Data, Inc.

Space Data, Inc. is a technology startup that aims to create new industries and social infrastructure by integrating space and digital technologies, driven by the vision of "a society where space can be utilized by everyone."

By utilizing digital twin technology that precisely reproduces the Earth and space environment, the company aims to build digital platforms that support the future, from space to urban development, disaster prevention, and security. Furthermore, through the development of operational infrastructure for space robots and space stations, Space Data is working towards the realization of a space society.

Space Data's official website introduces its latest initiatives and announcements in the "NEWS" section.

For details, please visit https://spacedata.jp/news

Company Name: Space Data, Inc. Representative: Kohei Sato Location: 15F, Toranomon Hills Business Tower, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Capital: 1.513 billion JPY Business Activities: Investment and research related to space development HP: https://spacedata.jp NEWS: https://spacedata.jp/news X: https://x.com/spacedatainc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacedatajp/ Recruitment Information: https://www.wantedly.com/companies/spacedata/projects

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Please contact us via the inquiry form below.

https://spacedata.jp/contact