Every week here at Geo Week News, we have been highlighting some of our favorite stories from around the internet that cover the geospatial, 3D, and AEC industries. Whether it’s a fascinating case study, insights from an industry thought leader, or deep dives into new tools, there is never any shortage of great writing and storytelling in this industry. So, below you can find links to three stories that we loved this week.
Razor-sharp 3D aerial imagery of the Netherlands is now available in ArcGIS
Staff Writer | GIM International
Esri Nederland and Kavel 10 have partnered to launch a premium 3D aerial data bundle in ArcGIS, capturing the entire Netherlands at a resolution sharp enough to spot manhole covers and traffic signs — updated every year. Built on Gaussian splatting technology, the dataset is designed to give planners, engineers, and policymakers an immediately actionable tool for tackling the energy transition, climate adaptation, and public space redesign.
Airbus and JDE Peet’s team up for worldwide coffee plantation mapping powered by satellite imagery
Eric Van Rees | Geo:
Airbus Defence and Space has joined forces with JDE Peet's and a coalition of major coffee traders to build the world's first open, comprehensive map of global coffee plantations, using high-resolution satellite imagery and AI to track deforestation risk across coffee-growing regions. Already deployed across more than 1.2 million km² of East Africa, the initiative — dubbed the Coffee Canopy Partnership and backed by the UK FCDO and the UN FAO — aims to achieve full worldwide coverage of all coffee-growing regions by 2027.
NAFI maps show 2025 was dire for fire
jnalley | Spatial Source
Australia's most comprehensive fire mapping database has released its inaugural annual report, revealing that 2025 was the second-largest fire year in the past decade for Northern Australia, with severe late dry season conditions and a single lightning-sparked blaze in the Tanami Desert burning 3.5 million hectares over 28 days.With record rainfall in early 2026 now increasing fuel loads across the country's northern deserts, researchers warn the upcoming fire season could pose significant challenges despite growing Indigenous-led fire management efforts.
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