Space technology
From HFA-PEDIA
Contents |
International Charter
The International Charter aims at providing a unified system of space data acquisition and delivery to those affected by natural or socio-natural disasters through Authorized Users. Each member agency has committed resources to support the provisions of the Charter and thus is helping to mitigate the effects of disasters on human life and property.
The International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" was founded in 1999 with the aim of providing “a unified system of space data acquisition and delivery to those affected by natural or man-made disasters”. Charter members include space agencies (the Argentinean, Canadian, Chinese, European, and Japanese for instance), research institutions (the French Centre national d'études spatiales and the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Geological Survey) and commercial vendors that provide a wide range of satellite imagery (RADARSAT, ERS, ENVISAT, SPOT, IRS, SAC-C, NOAA satellites, LANDSAT, ALOS, DMC satellites and others) at no cost to users.
In the event of a major natural disaster, the “Space Charter” is triggered by an “Authorized user” and the charter’s members activate for the collection of satellite imagery for the affected area(s). The satellite data are then passed on to a specifically appointed “Project Manager” that will provide the authorized user (and other organizations) with imagery-derived products such as maps (PDF/JPG) or data (e.g.: flooded areas vector data for organizations with their own map-making capacity).
Authorized users include Civil Protection Agencies from the signatory countries (the countries whose space agencies are members of the Charter) as well as specialized UN agencies such as OCHA, UNOOSA,UNOSAT and ReliefWeb.
See more: http://www.disasterscharter.org/
Networks
RESPOND
Respond is an alliance of international organisations working with the humanitarian community to improve access to maps, satellite imagery and geographic information.
Geographic scope: International
See more: http://www.respond-int.org/respondlive/
RISK-EOS
RISK-EOS services combine the use of satellite observation data with exogeneous data and modelling techniques, targeted to serve the needs of risk management actors from throughout Europe. Started since 2003, RISK-EOS is a network of European service providers delivering geo-information services to support the management of flood, fire and other risk throughout all phases.
Geographic scope: Europe
See more: http://www.risk-eos.com
Agencies
UNOSAT
UNOSAT is the UN Institute for Training and Research ([www.unitar.org UNITAR]) Operational Satellite Applications Programme, implemented in cooperation with the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the European Organisation of High Energy Physics (CERN).
UNOSAT is a people-centred programme delivering satellite solutions to relief and development organisations within and outside the UN system to help make a difference in the life of communities exposed to poverty, hazards and risk, or affected by humanitarian and other crises. Its mission is to deliver integrated satellite-based solutions for human security, peace and socio-economic development, in keeping with the mandate given to UNITAR by the UN General Assembly since 1963.
See more: http://unosat.web.cern.ch/unosat
Related Organizations - GIS Technology & Scientific Research
CATHALAC
The Centro del Agua del Trópico Húmedo para América Latina y el Caribe - Water Center for the Humid Tropics of Latin America and the Caribbean - (CATHALAC), established in 1992, is an autonomous non profit international organization that promotes sustainable development through applied scientific research and education on water resources and the environment. Its mission is to promote integrated watershed management in Latin America and the Caribbean, through applied investigation, education and technology transfer.
See more: http://www.cathalac.org
ESRI
ESRI is a world leader in GIS (geographic information system) modeling and mapping software and technology.
See more: http://www.esri.com
ILWIS
The Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS) is a PC-based GIS & Remote Sensing and GIS software, developed by ITC up to its last release (version 3.3) in 2005. ILWIS comprises a complete package of image processing, spatial analysis and digital mapping. As of July 1st, 2007, ILWIS software is freely available ('as-is' and free of charge) as open source software (binaries and source code) under the 52°North initiative (GPL license). This software version is called ILWIS 3.4 Open.
See more: http://www.itc.nl/ilwis
