New technologies have a tendency to develop unintended side effects, for both good or ill–just look at how automobiles changed society. Satellite imaging gave us better weather forecasts and more accurate military surveillance–and now, stronger sales leads for home contractors!

A company called Geosemble is using artificial intelligence combined with satellite imagery to direct companies toward local residents whose houses and grounds are in need of repair. The National Science Foundation in the U.S. has given them a Phase I grant to further develop the process.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go wrap my house in aluminum foil.

(Via Gizmag.)

(Photo from Gizmag, too.)

[tags]satellite, satellite imagery, privacy[/tags]