Mapping the world to better anticipate what lies ahead

LuxCarta was created in 2007 from the merger of several companies specialising in digital mapping. “When we started out, we produced 3D models to help telecoms operators optimise their networks,” explains the CEO. This is essential in a sector where every detail counts: the height of a building, the slope of a roof or even the density of vegetation have a direct influence on the transmission of wavelengths and therefore the quality of a network's coverage.

Transforming data into intelligent maps

Over time, the company has broadened its field of operations. Its solutions are now used for town planning, military simulation, infrastructure management, natural disaster prevention and risk management. “Our customers come to us for reliable, up-to-date data tailored to their specific needs and capable of being integrated into their own systems in plug-and-play mode,” explains Albéric Maumy.

Although LuxCarta is based in Sophia Antipolis, its influence extends well beyond France's borders. Less than 5% of its sales are generated in France, with the bulk of its business concentrated in America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia. With more than 350 customers in 110 countries, the company provides its services to mobile phone operators, government institutions, space agencies and strategic industries. Each sector uses its maps for very specific purposes: optimising networks, planning urban areas, modelling interventions or monitoring the evolution of a territory over time.

LuxCarta does more than simply assemble satellite images. Artificial intelligence is at the heart of its technologies. “We have accumulated millions of data sets over more than 30 years, enabling us to train extremely precise algorithms,” explains Albéric Maumy.

What does this technology enable? Unlike static maps, LuxCarta's 3D models are capable of automatically detecting changes in an area, such as the construction of a new building, the extension of a forest or the modification of a road. “Our strength lies in our ability to generate ever more accurate maps that are tailored to the specific needs of each customer.”

BrightEarth, producing maps in record time

One of the major innovations developed by LuxCarta is BrightEarth, a platform that automates 3D mapping from satellite images and generates ultra-detailed terrain models in record time. This tool, launched in February 2025, is revolutionising the way geospatial data is produced and used. “Thanks to BrightEarth, we can now produce accurate, usable models in just a few hours”, explains Albéric Maumy. Where traditional surveys require a great deal of time and human resources, this solution makes it possible to obtain up-to-date mapping quickly and on a large scale. The aim is clear: to provide decision-makers with detailed, accessible maps without having to rely on time-consuming and costly field acquisitions.

BrightEarth's effectiveness is based on advanced generative artificial intelligence algorithms capable of automatically identifying and classifying features in an image. Buildings, roads, bodies of water and green spaces are detected and modelled with exceptional accuracy. This automated process guarantees up-to-date maps, considerably reducing delivery times and the risk of human error.

The applications of BrightEarth are multiple. In the field of urban planning and smart cities, it enables local authorities to anticipate the evolution of infrastructure, plan new developments, and manage urban spaces efficiently. For telecom operators, the tool offers a precise network coverage simulation, which is essential for the strategic deployment of antennas. Environmental agencies and natural risk management services will also use it to monitor areas vulnerable to flooding, fires or landslides.

“BrightEarth is a tremendous asset for our clients,” emphasises the founder. “They can visualise a territory in all its dimensions, thoroughly analyse its evolution and make informed decisions with an impressive level of detail.” Thanks to this technology, LuxCarta has established itself as an indispensable player in the automation of mapping and the intelligent utilisation of geospatial data.

Towards a resolutely geo-intelligent future

With its expertise in 3D mapping, satellite image analysis and artificial intelligence, LuxCarta has established itself as a major player in geo-intelligence. Its ambition is to continue pushing the boundaries of automation and to provide tools that are ever more precise and accessible. “We want to enable our clients to make informed decisions through a deep understanding of the territory,” concludes Albéric. This vision places LuxCarta at the crossroads of technology, strategy and the anticipation of tomorrow’s world.

Luxcarta and the digital twin of France

Mapping the territory in 3D

Imagine a digital replica of the national territory, capable of simulating the evolution of cities, infrastructure and natural spaces under the influence of climate change or public policies. This is the challenge of the digital twin of France. Supported by IGN, Cerema and Inria, this ambitious project aims to create a dynamic 3D model of the country by integrating geographical, demographic and environmental data to anticipate forthcoming transformations.

LuxCarta, a specialist in 3D mapping, plays a key role in this initiative. “IGN has launched an extensive LiDAR data acquisition campaign,” explains Albéric Maumy. Thanks to this remote sensing technology, millions of points are captured from the air to model the terrain and infrastructure. LuxCarta then transforms this raw data into usable models, accurately depicting buildings, roads and landscapes.

The objective is to provide a database accessible to local authorities, urban planners and businesses, enabling them to optimise urban management, assess natural risks and even plan energy developments. By cross-referencing this information with other sources, this digital twin could become a central decision-making tool, indispensable for anticipating the challenges of tomorrow.