Overview
- Industry: Geospatial / Earth Observation
- Region: Colombia (field implementation) + United Kingdom (coordination)
- Client: UK Space Agency (via Satellite Applications Catapult Consortium)
- Project Duration: Multi-year engagement (2020–2028)
- Services Provided: Front-End Development, Data Visualization, UX Design, Consortium Collaboration
- Tech Stack:
- ReactJS, NodeJS, Material UI
- Postgres + PostGIS, GeoServer, Leaflet, Google Maps
- Azure, Docker, Open Elevation API
- WSO2, .NET
The Challenge
The UK Space Agency and the Satellite Applications Catapult set out to create GAIA, a cutting-edge platform that uses satellite imagery and machine learning to detect illegal gold mining and deforestation across Colombia.
To bring GAIA to life, they needed a partner who could:
- Translate complex geospatial and ML data into clear, actionable visual layers
- Adapt to diverse users—from policy makers tofield operatives
- Embed deeply into a global consortium and lead key in-country operations
“Without Celerik’s involvement on the ground, organizing certain project activities—especially in Antioquia—would have been much harder. Their coordination was instrumental.”
— Liz Cox, UK Space Agency
Our Solution
1. Embedded, On-the-Ground Collaboration
From day one, we became an extension of Catapult’s team—joining design sprints, planning sessions, and stakeholder visits. Our local presence in Medellín enabled live demos and immediate feedback during UKSA’s field visit.
2. Intuitive, High-Performance Mapping
We developed an interactive front end using React, Leaflet, and GeoServer, enabling smooth map navigation, zoom, and time-lapse visualizations. We integrated spatial data using PostGIS, helping analysts identify trends in deforestation and illegal mining activity.
Features included:
- Custom map layers for departments and regions
- On-demand filtering and summarization as users zoomed in
- Lazy loading and server-side caching for performance—even with low connectivity
3. User-Centered Design at Scale
We ran iterative user tests with analysts and decision-makers, refining features like alert systems, tooltips, and map overlays. The result was a platform that felt intuitive—even when working with terabytes of satellite data.
The Results
| Outcome |
Result |
| Front-end capacity |
From no UI team → to fully embedded delivery partner |
| Demo performance |
Seamless presentations for UK & Colombia stakeholders |
| UX & performance |
Map response under 1 second—even in limited networks |
| Stakeholder satisfaction |
Rated 5/5 by both UKSA and Catapult |
| Product foundation |
Delivered production-ready platform for long-term use |
“My direct experience working with Celerik—both over Teams calls and during their in-country support in Colombia—has always been very positive. I’d recommend them as a professional, collaborative partner.”
— Liz Cox, UK Space Agency
What We Learned
- True impact needs proximity: Being embedded—physically and operationally—was key to stakeholder trust.
- Performance isn’t optional: In remote regions, app speed can make or break usability.
- Visual clarity drives action: When users clearly see the data, they’re empowered to act.
