Methane Mapping with GIS
A quick case study into how GIS can be used for tracking atmopsherical changes and detecting emissions.
How can GIS help?
Mapping
GIS enables the creation of detailed spatial maps showing methane concentrations, facility infrastructure (e.g. towers, pipelines), and surrounding sensitive areas. This allows for targeted monitoring and improved spatial awareness of emissions.
Data Capture
Satellite-based methane measurements (e.g. from Tanager-1) and on-site inspections can be integrated into GIS platforms to centralize CH₄ concentration data, wind conditions, and inspection results, providing a holistic view of emissions over time.
Risk Analysis
GIS supports methane risk assessment by modeling plume dispersion under varying wind and weather conditions. This helps identify high-risk zones—especially those overlapping with residential areas or ecological sites—and informs mitigation planning.
Incident Response
During a suspected methane leak, GIS provides spatial analysis to help teams quickly locate the likely emission source, assess its spread, and determine the most impacted zones. This enables efficient deployment of drones, inspections, and public safety communications.
Community Awareness
GIS platforms can be used to share interactive maps with local communities and stakeholders, increasing transparency. Visualising methane plumes and risk zones can support public understanding and proactive engagement around environmental health.
Operational Management
GIS acts as a management tool for monitoring assets, scheduling inspections, and maintaining a historical record of methane data. It supports long-term environmental compliance, infrastructure planning, and coordination between field teams and analysts.
Our Process
How We Work
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We begin by getting to know you. Our team collaborates with your stakeholders to uncover your unique business challenges and geospatial needs.
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We craft a customised GIS strategy, selecting the optimal open source tools that seamlessly integrate with your existing systems.
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Our experts deploy your tailored solution with minimal disruption, ensuring smooth integration with your data sources and workflows.
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We empower your team through hands-on training and ongoing support, helping you maximise the impact of your new geospatial solution.
Case Study : Using Satellite Data to Detect and Assess Methane Leaks
This demonstration showcases how GIS and satellite-derived data can be used to evaluate and map a potential methane leak at the Cape Canaveral Power Station, Florida. Using data from Tanager-1 (Planet Labs), freely available via the Carbon Mapper platform, we identify CH₄ anomalies, track temporal plume changes, assess risk zones, and recommend follow-up actions for mitigation.
🛰️ Methane Monitoring Maps (Tanager-1)
26 February 2025 – Initial detection of elevated methane concentrations.
12 March 2025 – Follow-up imagery reveals significant plume expansion and wind drift toward nearby communities and ecosystems.
📊 Key Findings
Methane plume concentration has increased significantly between February and March.
Wind dispersion in March suggests the plume is drifting into residential and ecological zones.
Temporal analysis shows the methane-affected area has nearly doubled, indicating an ongoing or worsening leak.
Data points to Tower 1 (ACC-1) as the primary source, with Tower 2 (ACC-2) showing secondary concentrations likely due to wind drift.
Tower 3 (ACC-3) shows minimal activity, ruling it out as a primary source.
🌐 How GIS Supports Methane Leak Detection🌐
✅ Supporting Emergency Response & Mitigation
GIS supports strategic planning for:
Immediate inspection actions
Infrastructure diagnostics
Community safety responses
✅ Plume Mapping & Risk Assessment
Satellite data visualised in QGIS enables the identification of:
Methane concentration hotspots
Wind-influenced plume spread
Proximity to homes, schools, and natural reserves
📍 Power Station Details
Name: Cape Canaveral Power Station
Location: Cocoa, Brevard County, Florida, USA
Fuel Types: Natural Gas, Fuel Oil
Technology: Combined Cycle
CHP: No
Startup Year: 2013
Owner: Florida Power & Light Co (NextEra Energy Inc)
🌱 Background
Cape Canaveral Power Station is undergoing a transition toward cleaner energy production, replacing older infrastructure with new tech to reduce carbon emissions and lower utility costs. FPL reports a 50% drop in CO₂ emissions since upgrades began. However, recent methane monitoring data indicates a potential leak that contradicts emission goals and may pose public and environmental risk.
🔄Our Workflow - Methane Detection & Confirmation
We provide a streamlined, cost-effective two-phase workflow combining satellite data and on-the-ground verification to support fast, informed environmental action.
📡 Phase 1: Satellite Detection
We start by analysing freely available Tanager-1 data to detect methane concentration anomalies across industrial zones.
This enables:
Remote identification of potential leaks
Temporal comparison across multiple dates
Early risk assessment, especially near populated or sensitive ecological areas
🚁 Phase 2: Drone-Based Confirmation
When satellite data flags a concern, we recommend targeted, high-resolution drone surveys equipped with CH₄ sensors.
This allows for:
On-site confirmation of emission sources
Accurate localisation of leaks (e.g. towers, valves, pipes)
Quick deployment of mitigation or maintenance crews
Track Emissions with Bozmaps
If you’re involved in environmental monitoring, emissions management, or industrial site safety, start leveraging GIS to turn satellite data into actionable insight. Whether it’s early detection, risk mapping, or response planning, geospatial tools can empower faster, smarter decisions.
Scalable, repeatable, and responsive
Combines open-source GIS with operational diagnostics
Ideal for utility providers, environmental consultants, and local authorities