US-based Esri is significantly expanding the coverage of its World Imagery satellite imagery basemap thanks to a major new deal with aerospace giant Airbus. This partnership was officially announced at the annual Esri User Conference 2026.
Starting with the second half 2026 year, users of the ArcGIS platform will have access to ultra-clear updated maps of urban areas around the world.
Scale: Airbus satellite maps will cover close 2 000 bridge around the world.
Super high quality: Airbus Defense and Space will provide high-resolution basemaps 30 centimeters per pixel. This will make it possible to see the small details of the city's infrastructure.
Clean picture: The new maps will be practically cloudless, with the same color balance and minimal haze or seasonal effects between adjacent frames.
Fresh and detailed images are integrated directly into the ArcGIS Living Atlas cloud. They will become the basis for the daily work of many organizations:
State bodies (for urban planning, construction and environmental monitoring).
Commercial companies (for asset management, logistics and risk assessment).
Scientists and universities (for research on urban development and climate).
The move is part of an even larger program by Esri to modernize global maps. Besides Airbus, the company has entered into partnerships with Nearmap firms (will provide vertical images of US cities, Canada and Australia with accuracy 20 cm) ta Vantor (will provide an update of the basic global coverage and the improvement of individual megacities to 15 cm per pixel).
Source: https://www.esri.com