Sand movement in Saudi Arabia is a phenomena that affects most industries such as petroleum, transportation, agriculture and others. Saudi Aramco is a leader when it comes to safety and safe operations. The company spends millions on protecting its assets against sand encroachment. A better understanding of this phenomena would results in better decisions on how to deal with it, and minimize its effects on Saudi Aramco’s operations. Therefore, the company is utilizing remote sensing technology and geographical information science, to detect and monitor sand dunes encroachments, as well as, estimate their movement’s rate, direction and volume. The objective of this analysis is to assist operating facilities in achieving proactive protection of the company’s assets, and reduce costs by improving sand encroachment mitigation activities.

https://maps.aramco.com.sa

• Saudi Arabia

• Remote and rural communities

The analysis employed in this project using Remote Sensing technology can be applied at desert areas where sand movement poses a threat to farming and communities inhabiting the desert.

This project helps predict sand and dunes movement to protect assets, communities, farming land and water resources from drought and sand encroachment.

This project promotes the utilization of Remote Sensing and location based analysis tools in sustaining the living environment and protecting assets.