The Earth intelligence market is projected to reach $20 billion by 2030, driven by rapid private sector growth and AI-powered insights from satellite and sensor data. As commercial use surpasses government spending, new technologies and applications are transforming industries with real-time geospatial intelligence.
The global Earth intelligence market is on track for rapid expansion, with revenues expected to reach nearly $20 billion by the end of the decade, according to a new report by Gartner, Inc. Fueled by rising private sector involvement and a wave of technological innovations, Earth intelligence is transforming from a government-dominated field into a dynamic, commercialized industry.
Gartner’s latest research projects that direct annual revenues from Earth intelligence—comprising data acquisition, AI-driven analysis services, and software applications—will climb from approximately $3.8 billion in 2025 to $4.2 billion by 2030. While these figures represent direct revenues to technology providers, the broader economic impact—including operational efficiencies and cost reductions across industries—is expected to be far greater.
From Satellites to Solutions
Earth intelligence refers to the use of artificial intelligence to interpret Earth observation data, such as satellite imagery, drone footage, and sensor outputs, to generate actionable insights tailored to specific industries. These insights can address a wide range of operational and strategic challenges, from infrastructure management and agriculture optimization to climate monitoring and global supply chain analysis.
Bill Ray, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, emphasized the increasing strategic value of this data. “The real opportunity lies not just in collecting data, but in interpreting it in meaningful ways,” Ray said. “AI is enabling companies to derive real-time intelligence—from detecting obstacles on transportation routes to evaluating industrial production and predicting consumer activity through vehicle counts.”
Private Sector to Surpass Government Spending
Historically, Earth intelligence data collection and analysis have been dominated by governmental and defense entities. However, this is changing rapidly. Gartner forecasts that by 2030, private companies will account for more than 50% of total spending on Earth intelligence, compared to less than 15% in 2024. This shift signals a major transition in how Earth observation capabilities are developed and deployed.
As commercial demand grows, private firms are not only consuming Earth intelligence but also producing and monetizing it. Technology vendors are developing advanced tools, platforms, and APIs to help other businesses—especially those without in-house analytics teams—leverage geospatial data.
Technological Advancements Fuel Growth
A key enabler of this shift is the rise of very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, which are significantly cheaper and faster to deploy than traditional systems. These satellites can capture imagery with resolutions as fine as 10 centimeters—precise enough to detect individual objects such as small animals or damaged infrastructure.
In addition, the integration of hyperspectral imaging and radar technologies allows companies to detect previously invisible phenomena, including underground moisture levels or structural weaknesses. When combined with ground-based sensors and drone data, these capabilities offer a comprehensive view of physical environments—critical for sectors like agriculture, mining, logistics, and urban planning.
AI: The Differentiator
Despite the flood of new data sources, the real challenge lies in making sense of it all. “There is no shortage of data,” Ray explained. “The competitive advantage will go to those who can transform raw observations into business-ready intelligence using domain-specific AI models.”
The report notes that as AI capabilities mature, Earth intelligence applications will become increasingly integrated into existing enterprise systems, creating new revenue streams for software vendors and service providers alike.
Earth intelligence is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the data economy, moving far beyond its origins in defense and scientific research. With private companies set to overtake public entities in spending by 2030, the market is poised for transformation. As technology providers race to unlock the full potential of geospatial data, Earth intelligence is expected to drive innovation, efficiency, and new opportunities across virtually every industry.
