Master's Research Abstract

Master's Research (University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada)

The Evolution of Civil Remote-Sensing Technologies and their Use in Developing Countries

Abstract

Remote sensing using satellite imagery is becoming increasingly common for mapping and monitoring the environment. Beginning in the 1960s and 70s, satellite systems that were previously developed for military purposes evolved into a valuable source of data and information for individuals in the civil sector. These individuals include meteorologists, resource managers, urban and regional planners, and other physical and social scientists. Although remote sensing is proving effective for studying the environment, with the more widespread use of this technology there are a number of issues that can arise. This is especially true in developing countries that may lack the financial means and/or the technical expertise to effectively integrate remote sensing into the decision-making structure. As such, the goal of this research is to provide an assessment of remote-sensing programs and projects, and their use, with specific emphasis on developing countries.

In order to accomplish this goal, an interactive, adaptive approach to research is used in which the research direction is permitted to evolve during the course of the study. Moreover, there is a differentiation between remote-sensing programs and projects; programs refer to the design and execution of the satellites and projects refer to the use of the data. Three primary objectives are identified for this study. The first objective is to provide a detailed accounting of the evolution of several remote-sensing programs (e.g., Landsat, SPOT, IRS) in both developed and developing countries. Included in this objective is the aim to identify the impetus, technical development and an explanation of why the program is important. International agreements on remote sensing are also presented, followed by the RADARSAT-2 example of how regulatory obstacles can impede the progress of remote-sensing programs.

The second objective is to identify the types of remote-sensing projects undertaken in developed and developing countries. A case study using remote sensing for aquaculture management in Hainan Province, China is incorporated to illustrate the use of the data more specifically. The secondary objective of providing some meaningful results from the data analysis is also satisfied. The results indicate that, in this case, simple on-screen digitizing is the most effective technique for quantifying the aerial extent of intensive inland shrimp aquaculture.

The third objective is to determine the importance of collaboration and decision-maker awareness of remote sensing and to critically analyze future directions of the industry (i.e., privatization and a global management plan). This new management plan for civilian remote sensing, the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), is especially interesting. It is an intergovernmental initiative to administer civilian remote sensing in a sustainable, practical manner, and in such a way that the technology will work to the non-discriminatory benefit of all. The member states and organizations should be applauded for their success in formulating the plan and finding consensus on sensitive issues; however, inadequate attention to the plight of developing countries and the voluntary nature of the initiative continue to be problematic.