GAF AG
GAF AG is a Munich-based Earth observation and geoinformation company serving the European Environment Agency, ESA, German ministries, and World Bank-funded mining and geological projects worldwide. It delivers satellite data processing, cloud and AI analytics, and proprietary software platforms for land, forest, agriculture, and mining monitoring.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersMunich, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What GAF AG does
GAF AG is a Munich-headquartered Earth observation and geoinformation company founded in 1985 and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of e-GEOS S.p.A. within the Telespazio/ASI corporate group (ultimately controlled by Leonardo and Thales). With more than 220 staff across offices in Munich and Neustrelitz, the company delivers satellite-based land monitoring, agricultural assessment, forestry and climate analytics, geological and mining information systems, and 3D elevation products to European institutions (notably the European Environment Agency and the European Space Agency), German federal and state ministries, and international development banks such as the World Bank and KfW.
The company's technology stack combines reception and processing of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite data with cloud-based data analytics, automated processing pipelines, and machine learning / deep learning workflows built on PyTorch and TensorFlow. It packages these capabilities into a portfolio of proprietary software platforms — eMC+ (mining cadastre), GeMinIS (geological information system), GAFmap, LaFIS, AgroSuite, AgroView, ASM Alert, and the GAF Elevation Suite — alongside a Copernicus Contributing Missions Rapid Response Desk service and a state-of-the-art API for on-demand satellite imagery ordering.
GAF monetizes primarily through competitive public-sector tenders, with revenue split across multi-year EU framework contracts (Copernicus Land Monitoring Services, ESA programmes), German government and state-level contracts, World Bank- and KfW-funded international development projects for mining cadastre modernization and geological surveys, software licensing of its proprietary platforms, and paid data processing and consulting engagements. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the business is anchored on long-cycle institutional relationships, consortium leadership in flagship Copernicus tenders, and a 40-year track record that is rare within the European EO services market.
GAF AG firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GAF AG
- Legal name
- GAF AG
- Website
- https://gaf.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- GAF AG is a Munich-based Earth observation and geoinformation company serving the European Environment Agency, ESA, German ministries, and World Bank-funded mining and geological projects worldwide. It delivers satellite data processing, cloud and AI analytics, and proprietary software platforms for land, forest, agriculture, and mining monitoring.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where GAF AG is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Munich
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
GAF AG business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Consulting & Professional Services: GAF AG generates revenue through technical consulting services, project management, and know-how transfer to government agencies and international organizations. This includes feasibility studies, institutional strengthening, capacity building, and technical assistance for geo-information projects.
- EU Institutional Contracts: Major revenue streams from framework contracts with European institutions including EEA for Copernicus Land Monitoring Services, ESA for satellite data services, and EU-funded research projects. These multi-year contracts involve producing high-resolution layers, land monitoring products, and operational services.
- Government Contracts: Contracts with German federal and state ministries (Bavarian State Ministry, ThuringiaForst) for agricultural monitoring, forest assessment, and satellite data evaluation. Also includes international government contracts for mining cadastre systems and geological surveys.
- Software Licenses & Platforms: Revenue from proprietary software platforms including eMC+ for mining cadastre, GeMinIS for geological data management, and GAFmap for geospatial applications, provided as licensed solutions to government clients.
- Data Processing & Analysis: Processing of satellite data and production of derived geoinformation products for environmental monitoring, land cover mapping, and natural resource assessment.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
GAF AG product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GAF AG provides Earth observation-based geoinformation solutions, satellite data processing, and geospatial consulting services to government agencies, EU institutions, and international development organisations. The company sells proprietary software platforms for mining cadastre management (eMC+), geological data (GeMinIS), land and forest monitoring (LaFIS), agricultural monitoring (AgroSuite, AgroView), mapping (GAFmap), and 3D elevation (GAF Elevation Suite), combined with consulting, capacity building, and managed Earth observation services.
Product overview
GAF AG provides a comprehensive portfolio of cross-platform geoinformation solutions and innovative Earth Observation applications. The company operates a platform-plus-services model combining proprietary software products with consulting and data services. Core products include eMC+ (mining cadastre management), GeMinIS (geological information system), LaFIS (land/forest information), GAFmap/GAFmap Mobile (mapping platforms), AgroSuite/AgroView (agricultural monitoring), ASM Alert (artisanal mining detection), and GAF Elevation Suite (3D terrain products). These are complemented by service offerings in Data Analytics & AI, Mapping & Monitoring, Radar & Interferometry, Data Reception/Distribution, Software Development, and Consulting. The company specializes in satellite-based earth observation processing, automated analysis pipelines, and cloud-based geospatial solutions serving government agencies, European institutions, and private sector clients globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- eMC+: Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus - online licence portal for mining cadastre systems
- GeMinIS
- LaFIS
- GAFmap
- GAFmap Mobile
- AgroSuite
- AgroView
- MowingQuest
- ASM Alert
Products and services
- eMC+ (electronic Mining Cadastre Plus) Online mining cadastre platform for mineral licence management, permitting, and environmental compliance monitoring, designed for national Mining Cadastre Offices.
- GeMinIS (Geological and Mineral Information System) Modular and scalable software for managing and evaluating geological and mineral resource data, used by government ministries and geological surveys.
- LaFIS (Land and Forest Information System) Land and forest information system for monitoring and managing land cover and forest resources with spatial and attributive data analysis capabilities.
- GAFmap Geospatial mapping platform supporting topographic mapping, land use mapping, and geographic information visualisation at multiple scales including 1:50,000.
- GAFmap Mobile Mobile geospatial mapping solution for field data collection and on-site geographic information access.
- AgroSuite Integrated agricultural monitoring suite for crop monitoring, agricultural area assessment, and compliance verification within EU CAP frameworks.
- AgroView Satellite-based agricultural monitoring and visualisation tool for crop assessment and agricultural parcel monitoring, supporting CAP verification.
- GAF Elevation Suite Suite of 3D elevation and Digital Surface Model products derived from satellite data for terrain analysis and topographic mapping.
- MowingQuest Mobile crowdsourcing application that lets land managers, citizen scientists, and environmental organisations contribute real-time grassland mowing observations for CLMS grassland monitoring.
- ASM Alert Web Platform Web platform leveraging satellite data to detect artisanal and small-scale mining activities and generate monitoring alerts.
- Data Reception Services Satellite data reception and procurement services providing access to Sentinel, commercial optical, and radar satellite missions.
- Data Distribution & Brokerage Geospatial data distribution and brokerage services for satellite imagery and value-added Earth observation products.
- Data Analytics & AI Services Cloud- and AI-based data analytics services for Earth observation, including MLOps pipelines and automated processing of large satellite datasets.
- Mapping & Monitoring Services Earth observation-based mapping and monitoring services across agriculture, forestry, mining, urban development, and environmental management sectors.
- Radar & Interferometry Solutions Radar satellite data processing and interferometry analysis for ground motion monitoring, deformation analysis, and terrain change detection.
- Software Development Services Custom software development for geospatial applications, data processing systems, and web-based geo-portals.
- Consulting & Know-how Transfer Geo-consulting and knowledge transfer programmes covering Earth observation applications, GIS implementation, and spatial data management for government and institutional clients.
- Copernicus Contributing Missions Rapid Response Desk Service API-driven service platform for rapid on-demand ordering, tasking, and delivery of Copernicus Contributing Mission satellite imagery operated as a managed service on behalf of ESA.
Quantifiable outcome
- Produced pan-European HRL Forest and Grassland datasets for all EEA39 countries using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 time series processing
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use GAF AG
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
GAF AG technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability9 records
Feature11 records
GAF AG partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)majorConsortium partner with GAF AG and GeoVille for crowdsourcing initiative to collect grassland mowing event data for EEA. IIASA contributes systems analysis expertise.
- GeoVille Information Systems and Data Processing GmbHcoreCore production partner in consortium for Copernicus Land Monitoring Service HRL Vegetated Land Cover Characteristics (VLCC) for 2025-2028. GeoVille delivers annual grassland-related products as part of the consortium led by GAF.
- VITOcoreCore production partner in consortium for Copernicus Land Monitoring Service HRL VLCC for 2025-2028. VITO delivers annual cropland-related products as part of the consortium led by GAF.
- Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS)majorNew partner introduced in 2026 for HRL VLCC consortium, providing scientific validation and internal verification of products.
- e-GEOS S.p.A. (Telespazio S.p.A./ASI)coree-GEOS is the parent company of GAF AG. As part of the Telespazio/ASI group, GAF benefits from integration with one of the world's leading space companies, enabling synergies in earth observation, satellite operations, and geoinformation services.
- Telespazio IbéricamajorSubcontractor supporting model training for HRL VLCC products. Also partner in CCM Rapid Response Desk consortium and topographic mapping projects in DR Congo.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreGAF AG operates as Prime Contractor for ESA on CCM Rapid Response Desk Service (2024-2028), WorldForest project, and various ESA-funded studies including hyperspectral imaging concepts.
- European Environment Agency (EEA)corePrimary client and partner for Copernicus Land Monitoring Services. GAF leads consortia producing High-Resolution Layers (HRL), CLC+ Backbone, and crowdsourcing initiatives for EEA.
- European CommissioncoreGAF participates in EU Horizon 2020 projects (ECoLaSS, REDDCopernicus) and Copernicus programme services funded by the European Commission.
- Leonardo S.p.A.coreParent company of Telespazio. Leonardo is a major global aerospace, defence, and security company that owns Telespazio and thus e-GEOS.
- Thales GroupcoreParent company alongside Leonardo in the joint venture that controls Telespazio and e-GEOS.
- Telespazio S.p.A.coreParent company controlling e-GEOS. Telespazio is a leading global operator of satellite services and space systems, providing synergies in satellite operations and data reception.
- Sinergise SolutionsmajorPartner in CCM Rapid Response Desk consortium, providing specialized Earth Observation service and digital infrastructure capabilities.
- T-SystemsmajorPartner in CCM Rapid Response Desk consortium, contributing digital infrastructure expertise.
- TAITUSmajorPartner in CCM Rapid Response Desk consortium, providing specialized geospatial service capabilities.
- VITOcoreConsortium partner in WorldForest project funded by ESA, bringing specialized expertise in forest monitoring and sustainable management.
- DHImajorConsortium partner in WorldForest project, providing expertise in water environment and natural resource management.
- GFZ (Geoforschungszentrum Potsdam)majorConsortium partner in WorldForest project, contributing German geoscience research expertise.
- NMBU (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)majorConsortium partner in WorldForest project, providing academic research expertise in forest sciences.
- CariboumajorConsortium partner in WorldForest project, bringing specialized forest monitoring technology capabilities.
- BKG (Bundesamt für Kartographie und Geodäsie)majorGAF AG and BKG intensified cooperation for provision of multi-source remote sensing data, combining BKG's official geodetic authority role with GAF's processing capabilities.
- DLR (German Aerospace Agency)majorLong-standing cooperation partner in earth observation and satellite applications. DLR and GAF collaborated for 25 years including hyperspectral imaging mission concepts study.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
GAF AG competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- GeoVille Information Systems: Austrian EO consulting firm focused on land monitoring, agriculture and environmental applications. Core production partner within GAF-led HRL VLCC consortium; competes head-to-head on Copernicus tenders and shares near-identical customer profile across EU institutions.
- VITO: Flemish applied research institute operating a major remote sensing unit producing Copernicus land products and agricultural monitoring services. Consortium partner to GAF on HRL VLCC; directly comparable as a publicly-funded EO services provider competing for the same tenders.
- e-GEOS S.p.A. Italian earth observation company and parent of GAF AG, jointly owned by Telespazio/ASI. Operates the same core business (satellite data reception, processing, value-added services for government) with overlapping offerings in emergency mapping and COSMO-SkyMed exploitation.
- Telespazio S.p.A. Parent company of e-GEOS and therefore grandparent of GAF. Provides satellite operations, geo-information and defence services; comparable as both an integrated parent and a sister provider of Copernicus Contributing Missions Rapid Response Desk services through Telespazio Iberica.
- Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS): French subsidiary of CNES providing satellite-based environmental monitoring, fisheries, maritime and land surveillance services. Newly added scientific validation partner in GAF's HRL VLCC consortium; directly competes for Copernicus and EU institutional contracts.
Broad incumbents
- Airbus Defence and Space (Geo-Intelligence): Division of Airbus offering high-resolution satellite imagery (Pleiades, SPOT), value-added geospatial services and OneAtlas analytics. Substantially larger and broader in scope but overlaps directly on defence, mining, agriculture and Copernicus markets.
- Maxar Intelligence: US-headquartered provider of high-resolution Earth observation satellites and geospatial analytics serving defence, intelligence and government customers. Comparable on government EO analytics even though GAF operates at smaller scale and European institutional focus.
- Hexagon Geospatial: Division of Hexagon AB providing GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry and spatial analytics software (ERDAS, GeoMedia). Broader product portfolio aimed at enterprise and government mapping; overlaps on government geo-information tenders.
Emerging players
- Planet Labs PBC: US listed EO company operating the largest commercial satellite constellation, providing daily global imagery and analytics. Competes with GAF's data-buyer and value-added reseller model on Copernicus Contributing Missions and downstream agricultural/forestry use cases.
- Sinergise: Slovenian cloud-based geospatial platform provider (Sentinel Hub) and consortium partner to GAF in the Copernicus Contributing Missions Rapid Response Desk service. Niche overlap on digital EO infrastructure rather than end-to-end consulting.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GAF AG social profiles
Digital presenceGAF AG compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
GAF AG financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GAF AG leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
GAF AG funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GAF AG M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about GAF AG
What does GAF AG do?
GAF AG provides Earth observation-based geoinformation solutions, satellite data processing, and geospatial consulting services to government agencies, EU institutions, and international development organisations. The company sells proprietary software platforms for mining cadastre management (eMC+), geological data (GeMinIS), land and forest monitoring (LaFIS), agricultural monitoring (AgroSuite, AgroView), mapping (GAFmap), and 3D elevation (GAF Elevation Suite), combined with consulting, capacity building, and managed Earth observation services.
Is GAF AG a public or private company?
GAF AG is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was GAF AG founded?
GAF AG was founded in 1985. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is GAF AG based?
GAF AG is headquartered in Munich, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does GAF AG make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Consulting & Professional Services are the primary driver. The others are EU Institutional Contracts, government Contracts, software Licenses & Platforms and data Processing & Analysis.
Who are GAF AG's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are GeoVille Information Systems, VITO, e-GEOS S.p.A., Telespazio S.p.A. and Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS). Broad incumbents are Airbus Defence and Space (Geo-Intelligence), Maxar Intelligence and Hexagon Geospatial. Emerging players are Planet Labs PBC and Sinergise.
Does GAF AG have an API?
Yes. State-of-the-art API interfaces enabling direct interaction with different data providers, allowing direct and self-service image catalogue browsing and ordering based on various predefined Use Case scenarios. The CCM RRD platform connects supply and demand between data and services within the Copernicus Programme. Developer documentation is at www.rapidresponse.copernicus.eu.