Toward an integrated space strategy for disaster management
Helen M. Wood1, Louis S. Walter2
1NOAA, Code E/SP, Washington D.C. 20233-9909, USA.
Tel.: +1-301-457-5120, Fax: +1-01-457-5184,
E-mail: hwood@nesdis.noaa.gov
2NASA, Code YS, Washington D.C. 20546-0001, USA.
Tel.: +1-202-358-0442, Fax: +1-202-358-2770,
E-mail: lwalter@hq.nasa.gov
Abstract:
Satellite remote sensing provides effective tools for early warning of natural disasters such as severe storms, storm surge, floods, wildfire, and volcanic eruptions. Some of these systems, in particular the weather satellites, are operational in the sense that there is a co-ordinated international commitment to continuity, timeliness, and utility of data. However, as improved capabilities are demonstrated, additional co-ordination among space agencies is needed to avoid unnecessary duplication and to fill gaps in data and coverage. To this end, the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites is carrying out a "Disaster Management Support Project" which will develop sets of requirements for future space-, and supporting information delivery systems based on disaster management practitioner needs.
