Newsletter

In this first edition of the JULIA newsletter, we reflect on the unfolding of the project since its launch in January 2024.

Discover the first moves and the next steps of our project and find out where you can find us in the coming months.

Don’t miss out on the latest updates and insights from JULIA!

JULIA Project

JULIA stands for Joint Developments for Urban resiLIence connecting users to public transport through space technology

Starting in January 2024, the JULIA project is a Horizon Europe-funded initiative. It aims to take benefit of EU space services such as Galileo and Copernicus to integrate them into public transport services.

What are EU Space Services? Galileo is the European Global Navigation satellite System (GNSS), used to improve navigation, positioning and timing information. Copernicus is the Earth observation component of the EU’s space program. It offers information services that draw from satellite Earth observation and in-situ data.

JULIA plays a crucial role in connecting Galileo and Copernicus to public transport, showing how space-based data can make these systems more reliable, safer, and sustainable. The objective is to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of public transport networks, covering buses, trains, and bicycles.

JULIA’s Applications

JULIA’s Applications combine the use of Galileo and Copernicus data to feed into public transport services.

Galileo’s applications:

• Seamless Public Transport trip validation
• AI algorithms for optimal transport planning and operation
• AI algorithms for better GNSS map-matching
• Accurate vehicle tracking
• Effective DRT pick-up process enhancement
• Evaluation of autonomous shuttle routes
• AI and computer-vision enhanced cycle lane assessment for safety
• Accurate vehicle tracking to improve safety of pedestrians

Applications Using Copernicus:

• Air-quality-based mobility decisions in public transport
• Climate-change monitoring in urban areas

Meet the Partners

Advisory Board Members

JULIA is composed of an Advisory Board of 5 people with relevant expertise regarding the project’s applications. Discover the members and get to know them on our specific page !

Azarel CHAMORRO – International Technical Advisor​ – SMMR​

Umberto GUIDA​ – Head of Projects Strategy​ – UITP​

Cristina JUAREZ BATLLE​ – Chief Innovation Officer​ – CARNET​

Norbert SCHINDLER​ – Founder​ – GNSS Consulting​

Mercedes VIDAL LAGO​ – Head of Projects Strategy​ – BARCELONA REGIONAL

Discover our Pilots

The project is composed of 3-levels pilots. The project kick-off led to the initiation of activities from the partners and the development of level-1 pilots in Catalonia, Slovenia and Greece. Level-2 and 3 are coming on the way !

Level-1 Pilots will test a series of applications in three distinct geographical regions:

• Catalonian urban and peri-urban areas (Barcelona, Lleida)
• Greek main metropolitan areas (Haidari – Athens, Thessaloniki)
• Slovenian urban and peri-urban areas (Domžale – Ljubljana, Ormož, Piran, Kranj).

Level-2 Pilots consist of cities where one targeted use case will be piloted by EARTHPULSE and based on the learnings of Level 1 pilot locations. They will focus on developing Copernicus-enabled Air Quality Indexes for Cities (AQIC) to improve climate change monitoring in 10 cities across Europe. JULIA will support this group of cities by providing data-based evidence on environmental urban quality to improve decision-making while pursuing ambitious goals to slash emissions.​ The cities are Budapest, Sofia, Istanbul, Bucharest, Warsaw, Munich, Paris, Madrid, Milan, Rome.

Level-3 Pilots include other cities, metropolitan areas, or regions across the EU that JULIA will reach out for small-scale pilots. They will benefit from the experience and lessons learned in Level-1 and Level-2 pilots. ​

JULIA in the Space ecosystem: cooperation with sister projects

In the EU-funded projects world, sister projects work together to explore shared opportunities, prevent duplication of efforts and optimise resources, to collectively achieve their shared goal of maximising impact.

JULIA is working with SPACE4CITIES and egeniouss, two projects involving satellite data.

SPACE4CITIES, is a horizon Europe pre-commercial procurement project that uses satellite data for city planning. It includes dynamic management of public space, green areas, transport infrastructure and city maintenance—and the cities’ overall resilience.

The EU project egeniouss makes accurate and reliable navigation available for everyone. It provides a real-time visual localisation framework for satellite-based navigation.

Success stories of Galileo in Public Transport

Satellite-based services for public transport purposes are identified and gathered in the Global Observatory of EU Space data & Services in Public Transport. It aims to quantify and communicate EU Space Service & Data uptake in the public transport sector worldwide. From Helsinki to Valencia, discover the success stories of Galileo use across Europe and navigate through the map !

News & events

In order to disseminate our findings and engage with other projects and initiatives, JULIA members participated in several relevant events, among which:

JULIA at the EU Space Forum

In June 2024, the communication and dissemination team of JULIA attended the EU Space Forum, bringing together key industry leaders, policymakers, and experts. This two-day face-to-face event was an opportunity for the participants to discuss key space challenges, such as space sustainability, EU space law, security and defence, or harnessing the power of space data.

JULIA’s General Assembly in Thessaloniki

On 4-5 July, the JULIA Project Consortium held its first General Assembly at the offices of our technical partner, CERTH, in Thessaloniki. The two-day meeting was a great mix of collaboration and innovation, ensuring the JULIA project is on the right track

ITS World Congress in Dubai

In September 2024, the coordinator from FACTUAL, Josep Laborda, participated in the 30th ITS world Congress in Dubai to explore Galileo’s impact on Global Mobility

EUSPA Publication: EU Space for Public transport

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has recently released a publication to raise awareness about the transformative potential of EU Space data in creating smarter, more sustainable public transport solutions. The publication highlights the JULIA Project as a leading example of how EU Space Programme services can enhance public transport, making it smarter, cleaner, and more efficient.

What is next for JULIA?

In the following months you can find us in the following events:

ITS European Congress in Sevilla

JULIA will be presented at the 16th ITS European Congress. Organised by ERTICO, it will take place in Seville from 19 to 21 May 2025. The topics deal with clean, resilient and connected mobility. Do not miss this exclusive gathering of leaders in the field of Smart Mobility and Intelligent Transport Systems!

New Space Economy Congress 2025

JULIA will participate as a speaker to the New Space economy congress, taking place in Catalonia from 3 to 5 July 2025. Together with new players and start-ups, it will explore the technological advancements driving the space industry. Stay tuned for more!