How satellite data is helping keep venues and their visitors Covid-safe

The benefits of satellite data to life on earth are something that the global space community celebrated at this year's World Space Week.

Launchpad tech start up, Data Duopoly, have already been recognised for their innovation in the use of space data – winning the Pitch to the Primes competition at the UK Space Conference in 2019, awarded by Astronaut Tim Peake. Now they are on a mission to revolutionise the visitor experience for venues and attractions worldwide using downstream satellite data.

In what has been an extraordinarily unpredictable year for visitor attractions, live venues and campuses across the UK, Data Duopoly have focused their efforts on helping future-proof these sectors. Thanks to funding from AeroSpace Cornwall, who is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Cornwall Council, they have accelerated the development of their product in light of the pandemic; adding extra functionality to benefit both businesses and visitors alike.

Data Duopoly's key focus is the enhancement of visitor experience. Their Xplor-IT app both manages visitor distribution, to maintain social distancing and maximise on-site spending, and boosts visitor engagement before, during and after their visit, using customisable gamification.

As visitor attractions and venues begin to reopen post Covid-19, Data Duopoly have prioritised customer and staff safety with new features; the Covid-19 Crowd Tracker and Alert System. The funding from AeroSpace Cornwall has enabled Data Duopoly to develop their system in order to automatically – rather than manually – disperse offers, notify emergencies, and reroute visitors to prevent crowding.

The Crowd Tracker offers a visual tool for visitors, incorporating a traffic light system that reflects capacity within the venue; using past and live data to predict the next 'hot spot' for crowding. The Covid-reporter feeds directly to the venue, notifying them if a visitor has tested positive for Covid-19. The alert provides information on where the person was on the site during their visit, then gives a three tiered option to respond by: updating the cleaning regime, alerting the people they have come into contact with, or notifying all visitors who were on the site that day. Further enhancing user experience, the data fed back to the venue is non-personalised, visitors using the app are given a location ID.

This innovative app has already been trialled by the Eden Project. This demonstrable success of the trial has led to a partnership with the National Trust who will be working with Data Duopoly on their Cornish Tin Coast visitor sites from early 2021. As well as this, the company's technology is also being trialled by Falmouth University, to manage visitors to campus; keeping their staff and students safe.

Tanuvi Ethunandan, CEO at Data Duopoly, said: "We're thrilled that we have been able to progress our technology at such a crucial time. Our aim has always been to enhance visitor experience through the use of satellite data and now we are able to keep visitors and staff safe whilst doing so. As more venues and tourist attractions begin to reopen in 2021, we are excited to be able to offer this solution to businesses at a time when it is truly needed."

Gail Eastaugh, Director at AeroSpace Cornwall said: "By diversifying their offering with this funding, Data Duopoly are helping future-proof businesses in their time of need.

This innovative technology is a perfect example of the beneficial use of satellite data and its potential is huge. We can't wait to see this in action at tourist attractions and venues across the UK come 2021."