Earth Observation – A Fundamental Input for Crisis Information Systems

Abstract

Space-borne and airborne earth observation (EO) is a highly valuable source of spatio-temporal information promoting the ability for a rapid up-to-date assessment and (near-) real-time monitoring of natural or and man-made hazards and disasters. Such information has become indispensable in present-day disaster management activities. Thereby, EO based technologies have a role to play in each of the four phases of the disaster management cycle (i.e. mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery) with applications grouped into three main stages: - Pre-disaster (preparedness and mitigation): EO-based information extraction for assessing potential spatial distributions and severities of hazards as well as the vulnerability of a focus region for disaster risk evaluation and subsequent mitigation and preparedness activities. - Event crisis (response): Assessment and monitoring of regional extent and severities of the characteristics and impacts of a disaster to assist rapid crisis management. - Post-disaster (recovery): EO based information extraction to assist recovery activities. Within the PHAROS system a wide range of data products are used, which are varying in temporal, spatial and spectral resolution and coverage. The used sensor platforms comprise space-borne satellites and airborne systems, i.e. aircrafts as well as unmanned aerial systems (UAS).