Space technology and applications for disaster management

Space based systems have unambiguously demonstrated their capability in providing vital information and services in a disaster situation. Earth observation satellites provide comprehensive, synoptic and multi temporal coverage of large areas in real time and at frequent intervals and thus have become valuable monitoring tools. The most important applications of satellites are in detecting, providing and delivering early warnings through earth observations, data relay, navigation, and communication capabilities. Satellites are particularly suited to deliver locale-specific disaster warning and communications to remote, rural and under-developed areas. With the experience gained through pilot scale studies and operational use of Space data, the concept of a space based observation and communication system for disaster management is being evolved. The most important step is to assess the overall requirements of users at various levels and the delivery mechanisms that could provide the services effectively. T...