GAF AG

Their core work

GAF AG is a Munich-based geospatial services company specializing in Earth observation (EO) data processing and satellite-based environmental monitoring. Their core business translates Copernicus and Sentinel satellite data into operational services for forest monitoring, land cover mapping, and emergency response. They focus heavily on REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) — turning satellite imagery into commercially viable monitoring products for tropical forest protection under UNFCCC frameworks.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

GAF AG's early H2020 work (2016–2018) focused on building commercial Earth observation services — developing near-real time forest disturbance detection using Sentinel data and evolving Copernicus land monitoring products. Their later work (2019 onward) shifted toward policy-aligned capacity building, specifically connecting Copernicus satellite capabilities to UNFCCC REDD+ compliance frameworks. This progression shows a move from technical service development toward institutional and regulatory application of their monitoring expertise.

GAF AG is moving from pure satellite data processing toward policy-ready environmental monitoring products, positioning themselves at the intersection of Copernicus infrastructure and international climate agreements.

How they like to work

GAF AG predominantly leads projects — they coordinated 3 out of 5 H2020 projects, including their two largest by budget. With 41 unique partners across 17 countries, they maintain a broad European and international network rather than relying on a small set of repeat collaborators. This signals an organization comfortable managing diverse consortia and acting as the technical integrator in multi-country projects.

GAF AG has collaborated with 41 distinct partners across 17 countries, indicating a well-developed international network that extends well beyond the EU core. Their work on tropical forest monitoring (REDD+) likely connects them to partners in tropical and developing regions alongside European research institutions.

What sets them apart

GAF AG occupies a specific niche as a private company that bridges Copernicus satellite infrastructure with REDD+ forest monitoring — a combination few European firms offer as a commercial service. Unlike research institutes that publish papers on remote sensing, GAF builds operational, market-ready monitoring platforms. For consortium builders, they bring both the technical EO processing capability and the track record of coordinating international projects with a clear path to commercial deployment.

Highlights from their portfolio

• REDDCopernicus
  Their largest project (EUR 870K), coordinated by GAF, directly linking Copernicus satellite capacity to UNFCCC REDD+ forest monitoring — their strategic flagship.
• EOMonDis
  Coordinated project developing near-real time commercial forest disturbance monitoring using dense Sentinel 1 and 2 time series — demonstrates their core technical capability.
• ECoLaSS
  Coordinated with EUR 580K, tasked with evolving the next generation of Copernicus Land Services — shows influence on EU infrastructure direction.