ECOMETRICA, the software company whose applications monitor the effects of deforestation and climate change, has struck a memorandum of understanding with the University of Edinburgh.

It means academics and students at the university's School of Geosciences will gain access to millions of pounds worth of state-of-the-art earth observation, geospatial intelligence and satellite mapping applications.

The MoU formalises the ongoing collaboration between Edinburgh-based Ecometrica and the university, which is expected to be worth around £4.5m to both parties over the next five years.

Ecometrica will make its Mapping suite, a web-based geographic information system, available on a limitless basis to the University, so that it can be used for research and teaching purposes.

Ecometrica chief executive Gary Davis said: “The Ecometrica platform will go into immediate use at the School of Geosciences, which already works with Ecometrica on a number of ecological mapping projects.

"It will be rolled out to other University of Edinburgh Colleges and Schools looking to use spatial data platforms, along with tailored training."