Project Overview
MethaneDART (Methane Emissions-Detection, Analysis, and Resource Management Tool) was developed as a geospatial intelligence platform designed to monitor and analyze methane emissions using satellite-based remote sensing data. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has seen a sharp increase in emissions over the past decade, making its detection and mitigation a critical component of climate change efforts. This tool was created to address the growing need for near real-time, high-resolution methane monitoring, particularly in the natural gas industry, where fugitive emissions represent a significant and preventable source of greenhouse gases. MethaneDART leverages advances in satellite data availability and machine learning algorithms to provide users with automated methane detection, emissions quantification, and industry-specific categorization of emission sources.
Technical Development and Capabilities
During Phase I of development, MethaneDART successfully established a data pipeline, algorithmic approach, and prototype application interface. The project integrated satellite data from Sentinel-2 and EMIT, utilizing machine learning models to identify methane plumes, estimate emissions rates, and determine source industries. A Gaussian plume model was implemented to enhance the accuracy of emissions detection by simulating various atmospheric and environmental conditions. The detection models developed for both EMIT and Sentinel-2 demonstrated high reliability, with advanced neural networks trained on thousands of synthetic and real-world datasets to refine methane identification capabilities. The system was also designed to automate data extraction and analysis, ensuring that methane emissions could be tracked over time at the facility, regional, and industry levels.
Anticipated Impact and Future Applications
MethaneDART was developed to serve multiple stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, oil and gas operators, policymakers, and environmental researchers, by providing high-resolution methane emissions data. The tool enables users to track methane emissions across different industries, monitor trends, and implement mitigation strategies. By combining satellite-based monitoring with machine learning analytics, the platform lays the groundwork for more effective methane regulation, industry compliance, and enhanced climate change mitigation efforts.
