Overstory

Overstory is a climate technology company that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery to monitor vegetation at scale and in real time. Its platform helps utilities, infrastructure operators, and environmental organizations detect vegetation risks, improve asset management, and prevent environmental damage such as wildfires and power outages.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Overstory uses high-resolution satellite data and machine learning to build detailed maps of vegetation across thousands of miles of land. This enables its customers to make data-driven decisions around vegetation clearance, environmental compliance, and climate resilience. By replacing reactive field inspections with proactive insights, Overstory helps reduce operational costs, improve safety, and protect ecosystems.

Features:

1. Satellite-Based Vegetation Monitoring
   Uses high-resolution satellite data to monitor vegetation growth, density, and health over time.

2. AI-Driven Risk Analysis
   Automatically detects vegetation encroachment risks near powerlines, pipelines, and infrastructure.

3. Real-Time Alerts
   Provides live updates on high-risk areas, enabling teams to prioritize maintenance effectively.

4. Vegetation Growth Forecasting
   Predicts future vegetation growth patterns using historical and current environmental data.

5. Wildfire Risk Modeling
   Identifies vegetation types and conditions that contribute to fire risk near infrastructure assets.

6. Custom Dashboards and Mapping Tools
   Interactive platform for visualizing risk areas, scheduling work, and monitoring vegetation programs.

7. API and GIS Integration
   Seamless integration with utility asset management systems and GIS platforms.

8. Global Coverage
   Works in diverse geographies across North America, Europe, and other regions with satellite visibility.

9. ESG and Regulatory Reporting
   Supports environmental compliance and reporting by quantifying vegetation impacts over time.

How It Works:

1. Data Collection
   Satellite imagery is collected from multiple sources, including commercial and open data satellites.

2. AI Processing
   Machine learning models analyze vegetation characteristics like type, height, proximity to assets, and rate of growth.

3. Risk Detection
   Vegetation risks are scored and mapped based on their potential to interfere with infrastructure or pose environmental threats.

4. User Dashboard
   Clients access a web-based platform to visualize risk areas, plan field operations, and track vegetation conditions.

5. Workflow Integration
   Data can be integrated into existing systems for automated scheduling, compliance reporting, and risk mitigation.

Use Cases:

• Electric Utilities
  Prevent outages and wildfires by proactively managing vegetation around powerlines.

• Infrastructure Operators
  Monitor vegetation encroachment along pipelines, railways, and roadways for safety and accessibility.

• Government Agencies
  Support wildfire prevention programs and land management strategies with vegetation risk data.

• Environmental Organizations
  Track changes in vegetation cover for conservation, biodiversity, and reforestation projects.

• Insurance Providers
  Assess vegetation-driven wildfire risk for underwriting and claims analysis.

• Forestry and Agriculture
  Monitor forest health, tree cover loss, and land use changes to inform sustainable management practices.

Pricing:

Overstory offers custom pricing based on:

• Size and scope of the area monitored

• Frequency of updates and alerting

• Number of users and dashboard access

• Integration needs with GIS and asset management platforms

• Type of organization (utility, government, NGO, etc.)

To receive a personalized quote or request a product demo, visit:
https://www.overstory.com/request-demo

Strengths:

• Scalable Monitoring
  Covers millions of acres with satellite data—far more efficient than manual inspection.

• Proactive Risk Management
  Provides early warnings and predictive insights that help reduce wildfire and outage risks.

• High Accuracy AI Models
  Constantly updated with satellite data to reflect real-world conditions.

• Cost and Time Efficiency
  Reduces the need for costly, labor-intensive field surveys.

• Environmental Impact
  Supports sustainable land use, forest preservation, and ecological planning.

• Global Reach
  Operates across continents with tailored solutions for different terrains and climates.

Drawbacks:

• Dependent on Satellite Data Availability
  Cloud cover and low-resolution imagery in some regions may limit performance temporarily.

• Requires Digital Integration
  Organizations need GIS or asset management systems to fully leverage the platform.

• Not a Consumer Product
  Designed for enterprise-level organizations; not suitable for individual or small-scale landowners.

• Initial Setup & Training
  Some onboarding time is required to train users and configure the platform to local infrastructure.

Comparison with Other Tools:

• Descartes Labs: Offers broad geospatial analytics, but Overstory is highly specialized in vegetation management and wildfire prevention.

• Satelligence: Focuses on deforestation and supply chains; Overstory is infrastructure-centric with deeper utility applications.

• Planet Labs + Custom AI: Offers raw satellite data; Overstory adds proprietary AI modeling for direct vegetation insights.

• AiDash: Similar use case with vegetation and utility monitoring; Overstory differentiates through forecasting models and global presence.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials:

Overstory is trusted by several major utilities and environmental partners, including:

• National Grid

• Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

• Terna (Italy)

• Environmental NGOs and wildfire prevention agencies

Selected praise includes:

• “Overstory allows us to allocate vegetation work more efficiently, improving reliability and safety.”

• “Their risk modeling helped us prevent multiple fire incidents last year.”

• “An indispensable tool for any utility focused on sustainability and resilience.”

Overstory has been featured in:

• TechCrunch

• Forbes

• Utility Dive

• Climate Tech VC

It has also received funding from prominent climate-focused venture capital firms.

Conclusion:

Overstory is transforming the way organizations manage vegetation and protect infrastructure using the power of satellite imagery and artificial intelligence. Its platform enables proactive risk management, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship by providing real-time visibility over vast landscapes.

For utilities, governments, and land stewards seeking to reduce wildfire risk, improve reliability, and comply with environmental regulations, Overstory offers a future-ready solution that’s accurate, scalable, and impactful.