FOR
PARTICIPANTS ONLY
A/AC.105/C.1/2003/CRP.13
24
February 2003
ENGLISH
ONLY
_________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE ON THE PEACEFUL USES
OF
OUTER SPACE
Scientific
and Technical Subcommittee
Fortieth
session
Vienna,
17-28 February 2003
Agenda item 5
Draft minutes of the meeting
Implementation of the Recommendations of the Third United Nations Conference on
the
Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III)
1.
The
third meeting of the action team #1, Develop a Comprehensive Worldwide
Environmental Monitoring Strategy was held in Vienna, Austria on Thursday, 20
February 2003.
2.
The
representatives from Iran, Syria, Japan, Portugal, United Kingdom, Russian
Federation, Mexico, UNESCO, SGAC (Space Generation Advisory Council), AEHMS
(Aquatic Ecosystem Health and management Association) and UN OOSA attended the
meeting.
3.
Dr.
A. R. Loulou from General Organization of Remote Sensing (GORS) of Syria was
elected as the chairman of the meeting.
4.
Dr.
A. R. Loulou opened the meeting by welcoming the participants and stressing on
necessity of the contribution of the members of the action team to implement
the aims of the team.
5.
A
report on the activities of the team for the period from 6 June 2002 to 20
February 2003 was given by the representative of I. R. Iran, Dr. Parviz Tarikhi
(Annex II).
6.
The
participants of the meeting adopted the agenda as contained in Annex I.
7.
The
chairpersons requested
expediting the submission of the completed Questionnaire to the secretariat of
the team.
8.
A
presentation entitled “EXPLORING AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM HEALTH: A GLOBAL
PERSPECTIVE” was given by Dr. Muhiuddin Munawar, the President of Aquatic
Ecosystem Health and Management Society (AEHMS) and the Research Scientist of
Canada’s Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and
Oceans Canada.
9.
The
members discussed the content of the presentation by Dr. Munawar on the issues
concerning the cooperation between the countries equipped with the monitoring
technologies and the countries that are not equipped with this technology.
10.
Further
discussion made by the members on the ways of cooperation between AEHMS and the
Action Team #1.
11.
The
action team invited AEHMS to become a member of the Action Team.
12.
The
meeting agreed on the invitation from the speakers interested to give presentations
related to the activity of the Action Team #1 to enhance and enrich the content
of the team work.
13.
On
the deadlines for preparing the reports to the Scientific and Technical
Subcommittee the team members agreed on the new dates proposed by the secretariat
of the Action Team according to the progress report distributed to the members
and attached as Annex III to this draft report.
14.
Open discussion conducted by the meeting on
the preparation of the draft report of the Action Team, and the members agreed
on the following headlines
I)
Background
and justification,
II)
Inventory
of the existing strategies on regional and international levels,
III)
Space
technology application for monitoring of environment in integration with other
related techniques,
IV)
Samples
of the applications in land, water and air environments,
V)
Guidelines
for the Comprehensive worldwide strategy (strategy model based on education,
training and capacity building).
15.
While
the contribution to the preparation of the different chapters of the draft
report is considered open to all members, the following members agreed on
providing information and data for the above-mentioned headlines listed as
below:
Syria,
on the examples of environmental monitoring,
Japan,
on space technology applications,
Russian
Federation, on the examples of applications and ground truth techniques.
In
this connection also members agreed to ask the Scientific and Technical
Subcommittee to provide the Action Team with the information and data about the
inventory of existing strategies.
16.
The
meeting emphasized on the continuation of communication between the related
organizations and other international working groups to enhance the efforts
carried out by the Action Team #1 and avoiding duplication.
17.
The team agreed to hold its fourth meeting in
the margins of the 46th COPUOS meeting that will be held from 11 to
20 June 2003. The meeting date of the team will be announced to the members
after finalizing with OOSA.
Annex I: Agenda of the
meeting
“Develop
a Comprehensive Worldwide Environmental Monitoring Strategy”
Conference
Room VII, Vienna International Center
09:00-12:00
09:00 Opening and
welcome note by one of the chairpersons
09:05 Presentation of
participants and election of the meeting chairman
09:15 Approval of the
Agenda
09:20 Adoption of the
minutes of the second meeting, 6 June 2002
09:25 Reporting the activities
carried out since the second meeting of the Action Team on 6 June 2002 by the
Iranian co-chairperson of the team
09:35 Presentation by
Dr. Mohiuddin Munawar, President of the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management
Society (AEHMS)
10:15 Discussions and
questions on the presentation of AEHMS President
10:20 Break
10:30 Discussing the new
deadlines and presenting proposals by the members
10:50 Open discussions
on how to prepare the draft report of the Action Team based on the inputs from
the members
11:40 Conclusions
11:55 Deciding the next
meeting venue and date
12:00 Adjourn
Annex II: Report of the Iranian Chairperson of the Action Team No. 1 to
the team members
Implementation of the
recommendations of the Third United Nations Conference on
The Exploration and Peaceful
Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III)
"Develop a comprehensive worldwide environmental monitoring strategy"
Third Meeting of the Action
Team
Thursday 20 February 2003
VIC, Vienna, Austria
Since the second meeting
of the action team held on 6 June 2002 at the margins of the 45th Meeting of
Committee of the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), a report of which was
presented to the Committee, some activities have been carried out a detail of
which is given below:
(1)
Increasing the use and availability of Remote Sensing data
for environmental monitoring firstly through the URL links of Internet sites
that are providing useful information on environmental data.
(2) Encouraging the use of “off the
shelf”, commercial, and other readily available environmental monitoring
hardware and software to be used wherever possible
(3)
Availability of the database and library of environmental data, research, and
projects to the public via a single focal point, preferably COPUOS.
(4)
Availability of training for scientists, researchers, and technicians in the
use
of hardware and software including data gathering and sharing
techniques from developing countries with minimal
expenses.
(5)
Establishing scientific and technical exchange programs whenever
possible to achieve all the above mentioned
Improving
and building the necessary local infrastructures for the developing countries
through identifying on-going hardware and software donation providers and
create a
mechanism for global distribution.
(1) Use of Results of creation of satellite
spectrophotometers for investigation and test of Earth’s ozonosphere and their
using in different space apparatus (SA) types,
(2) Perspective projects in
collaboration with Russia on creation of atmosphere limb probing sets for
environment monitoring from low-sized space apparatus (SA) and distance probing
of Earth (DPE) sets for hyperspectral investigations.
(3)
Mutual collaboration in UN programs deal with space activities and on
investment attraction.
Thank you.
Annex III: Progress Report
of the Action Team No. 1 (by 20 February 2003)
Implementation of the
recommendations of the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
(UNISPACE III)
ACTION TEAM FOR RECOMMENDATION NO. 1"Develop a comprehensive worldwide environmental monitoring strategy" |
|
State(s) leading the action team |
Iran, Syria |
Members |
States: Argentina, Australia, Belarus,
Brazil, China, France, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines,
Portugal, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Kingdom, United
States of America. Organizations: European Space Agency (ESA), International Society for
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), Manila Observatory, Space Generation Advisory Council
(SGAC), United Nations Department of
Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics Division, United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), United Nations Economic Commission
for Europe (ECE), United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations International Drug
Control Program (UNDCP). |
Objectives |
Address the needs and requirements for use and
protection of environment through improvement and control methods approved by
different countries, and develop a comprehensive worldwide environmental
monitoring strategy for long-term global observations by building on existing
space and ground capabilities. |
Organizational structure |
Iran and
Syria coordinates the activities of the action team jointly. The secretariat
of the action team is in the Iranian Remote Sensing Center (IRSC) based in
Tehran, Iran. |
|
Principal products to be
delivered |
Note: Assessment Report should 1)
Analyze
the current structure of environment monitoring by different countries and
NGEs. 2)
Develop
a preliminary assessment of the establishment such a system technically and
economically. 3)
Clarify
the benefits, advantages and disadvantages of such a strategy. Propose a
2-year work plan beginning from March 2003 to conduct the efforts of the
team. |
Work plan |
|
Activities that have been carried out since the second action team meeting held on 6 June 2002 |
Since the second action team meeting
held on 6 June 2002 on the margins of the 45th Meeting of Committee of the
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), a report of which was presented to the
COPUOS, some activities have been carried out a detail of which is given
below:
|
Annex IV: Inputs from members of the Action Team No. 1
Implementation of the Recommendations of the Third United Nations Conference on
the
Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III)
Report on the status of the
inputs by the Action Team members
Following the decisions made by the members of the
Action Team in its first meeting held in Vienna, Austria on Friday, 1 March
2002 and distribution of the Questionnaire prepared by the secretariat of the
Action Team to the members, the status of the replies is given below. The
report includes two parts. The first part is the text of the distributed
questionnaire and the second part consists of the feedback received by the
secretariat. All the members kindly requested to present their ideas, views and
suggestions about the inputs by the members for adopting a convenient direction
to prepare the draft report of the Action Team for submission to COPUOS in the
third meeting of the Action Team going to be held on 20 February 2003.
Questionnaire
Dear
action team members,
Following
the first action team meeting held on March 1, 2002 in the margin of the 39th
Scientific and Technical Subcommittee Meeting of Committee of the Peaceful Uses
of Outer Space (COPUOS), the relevant documents and report of the action team
was distributed in the form of the Conference Room Paper A/AC.105/C.1/2002/CRP.14
on 1 March 2002 (attached file “At1_rep.fdf”). The document contains the draft
minutes of the meeting as well as work plan and the proposal prepared by the
delegations of Syria and Iran. We would like to draw the attention of the team
members to the content of the proposal and work plan, and ask the ideas and
views as well as comments and suggestions about the items proposed.
To
develop a comprehensive strategy for environmental monitoring, consideration of
three national, regional and global levels is necessary. Each of the levels
having its specific relations with two others has its own specifications that
should be taken into account.
Environmental
monitoring whether in national or regional or global level requires data that
is collected through continuous or occasional observations. The data can be
provided by ground, aerial or space-based observations. Nowadays space based
observations proves to be an effective and strong tool for monitoring of the
environment. Although its potentials is being revealed day by day, there are
many unexplored applications and potentials waiting to be realized. Space based
monitoring requires the application of space platforms with appropriate sensors
onboard.
Data
management and setting up the databases fed by acquired monitoring data are the
next component of the environmental monitoring system. The availability of data
for the planners, decision makers as well as specialists and scientists
involved in the issues related to the environmental monitoring is also of great
importance and vitality.
According
to the above-mentioned proposal that is provided based on the agreements and
decisions of the Recommendations of the UNISPACE III, the action team aims to
Launch a worldwide strategy for
environmental monitoring,
* Ensuring the sustainable use of ecosystems, and
* Promoting national, regional and global cooperation on critical
environmental issues.
To
achieve this we should
Ø Know
what to monitor [dynamics of environmental phenomena],
Ø Assess
and adapt monitoring techniques,
Ø Set up
the convenient monitoring system/s,
Ø Set up
guidelines,
Ø Build
capacity,
Ø Enhance
the partnership [between related national, regional and international
institutions],
Ø Involve
NGO’s and public.
Therefore
we have to join forces for
ü Greater
technical cooperation
ü Enhancement
of knowledge and experience exchange among countries
ü Development
of policies leading to sustainable environmental development
ü Anchoring
into the current development and national environmental action plans, and rural
development strategies.
Four
technical clusters included in the proposal with the details of the activities.
This followed by the innovative funding mechanisms and work plan implementation
strategy.
We need
to know the ideas and views of all the members about the technical clusters,
funding mechanisms and strategy implementation. It would be appreciated if the
members of the action team could kindly provide us with the needed information
by responding the following questions and also further comments no later than 15 May 2002.
Questions:
1) What are the capabilities and possibilities of your
country/organization for networking and knowledge sharing, and capacity
building? How these capabilities could be used in regional and global levels?
2) What are your suggestions and comments for the
implementation of networking and knowledge sharing and capacity building issues
(in addition to what proposed)?
3) On the subject of setting up the collection and
distribution of information and data management, what capabilities are
available in your country/organization? Could these capabilities be used in the
regional or global level? If yes, how?
4) What are the capabilities of your country or organization
for environmental monitoring? Are these capabilities available only in national
level? If not, how are these applied in the regional or global levels?
5) Due to the great importance of funding, which funding
mechanisms are appropriate? How can we implement these mechanisms?
6) What is your idea about the implementation of the work plan
implementation strategy, time frame and evaluation process?
Based on
the decisions made by the meeting, the second meeting of the action team will
be held in parallel to the 45th COPOUS meeting that will be held
from 5 to 14 June 2002. You will be informed about the final date of the
meeting as soon as it fixed and agreed by OOSA.
It is
expected that the data collected from the members will be arranged for
discussion and relevant conclusions that in turn will be helpful for the future
activity of the action team.
We also
welcome suggestions and recommendations made by the members for invitation from
the experts and scientists involved in the subject to use their experience and
assistance for well implementation of the activities of the action team.
Parviz Tarikhi & Abdul Rahim Loulou
Action
Team 1 Chairpersons
Iranian
Remote Sensing Center, Iran
&
General
Organization for Remote Sensing, Syria
Secretariat
address of the Action Team #1:
Parviz Tarikhi
Iranian Remote Sensing
Center (IRSC)
No. 22, 14th Street,
Saadat-Abad
Tehran 19979, Iran
Tel: +98 21 2063207 & +98 21 2064471-3
Fax: +98 21 2064474
E-mail: [email protected]
Inputs from the members
By 10
February 2003 the proposals and inputs from the members of the Action Team
number 1 of the Recommendations of the UNISPACE III to the Questionnaire
distributed to the members of the team has been received from Argentina
(CONAE), France (CNES), Iran- Islamic Republic of (IRSC), Pakistan (SUPARCO),
Russian Federation (Russian Aviation and Space Agency, and Sovinformsputnik),
Syria-Republic of (GORS), and SGAC (Space Generation Advisory Council).
The
detailed inputs from the above-mentioned members are as follows:
(I) Argentina (CONAE)
It should be explained that, in Argentina, all
matters relating to environmental monitoring at Earth level are the
responsibility of the Secretariat for Sustainable Development and Environmental
Policy, apart from questions concerning the energy sector, which are taken care
of by the Secretariat for Energy through the National Regulatory Agency for
Electricity (ENRE), the Gas Regulatory Agency (ENERGAS) and ERN. The provinces
have their own institutions responsible for the environment and environmental
monitoring.
The
National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) is therefore providing
information on matters relating to environmental monitoring within its field of
responsibility.
1. What are the capabilities and possibilities
of your country/organization for networking and knowledge sharing, and capacity
building? How these capabilities could be used in regional and global levels?
Within
the CONAE programmes included in the National Space Plan, the use of space
information for the management of emergencies and related environmental
subjects is given high priority.
CONAE
is part of the Federal Emergency System of Argentina (SIFEM), which comes under
the Office of the Principal Private Secretary for the Cabinet of Ministers. In
particular, it participates in the implementation of the Information and Early
Warning System for the whole country and associated pilot projects. CONAE makes
space information acquired by its Earth stations available, free of charge, to
the official institutions with responsibilities in the area of dealing with
emergencies.
Among
its current projects and human resources development programmes, mention should
be made of two:
·
Gulich Institute for
Advanced Space Studies
·
Italian-Argentine Satellite System
for Emergency Management (SIASGE)
CONAE
has concluded and is implementing an agreement with the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America for the
distribution of data on atmospheric ozone collected by the Total Ozone Mapping
Spectrometer (TOMS) satellite.
Under
an agreement with NASA, CONAE keeps a copy of the Master Directory (MD) up to
date as a cooperative node of the International Directory Network. The
Ultraviolet Index (IUV) is forecast for each day, one day in advance, for 40
Argentine cities and 20 other Latin American cities and summer resorts, with
recommendations concerning maximum periods of exposure. The ozone distribution
map for Latin America is produced regularly.
Within
the general framework of the CONAE-NASA agreement on studies of the ozone
layer, an agreement was signed in 1997 with the Scientific and Technological
Research Institute of the Armed Forces (CITEFA) for supplementary measurements
for the scientific project entitled “Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer—Earth
Probe” (TOMS-EP), concerned with studies on stratospheric ozone, the ozone hole
and the incidence of ultraviolet radiation.
The
data are obtained by a system for observation of ozone and atmospheric
parameters constituted by light detection and ranging instruments (lidars),
consisting of a Rayleigh instrument, another instrument for measuring
stratospheric ozone and a third for measuring tropospheric ozone. One of the
most noteworthy developments under this project has been the establishment, in
1999, of the first Latin American system using a lidar for the measurement of
profiles of atmospheric aerosol and ozone content in relation to altitude; this
is in regular operation in the installations of CITEFA’s Laser Research and Applications
Centre (CIELAP).
In
the context of the cooperation agreement on the SAC-C satellite mission, a
memorandum of understanding was signed with NASA in 1999 under which CONAE
makes itself responsible for the reception and installation in Argentina of two
Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) stations, forming part of the world network
for the Earth monitoring of aerosols. The network hardware consists in a set of
identical automatic sun-sky scanning spectral radiometers. The data from this
network are distributed almost in real time and provide information on spectral
optical width of aerosols, aerosol size distribution, precipitable water and
diverse aerosol regimes.
CONAE
offers programme implementation in cooperation with countries of the region, within
these fields of action.
2. What are your suggestion and comments for
the implementation of networking and knowledge sharing and capacity building
issues (in addition to what proposed)?
CONAE
is interested in participating in this programme and can offer its
infrastructure to form part of the programme.
3. On the subject of setting up the collection
and distribution of information and data management, what capabilities are
available in your country/organization? Could these capabilities be used in the
regional or global level? If yes, how.
CONAE,
through the Regional Satellite Data Centre (CREDAS), makes available to
Argentine and Latin American researchers, in the areas of meteorology,
geophysics and space sciences, the knowledge accumulated on subjects in its
field in the various data centres existing around the world.
The
undertakings made with NASA through the Letter of Agreement signed in 1993
remain in effect; under these arrangements, CREDAS keeps a local copy of the
Master Directory up to date as a cooperative node of the International
Directory Network.
The
Ultraviolet Index (IUV) forecast for each day, one day in advance, for 40
Argentine cities and 20 other Latin American cities and summer resorts is
published on the CONAE web page. The practice initiated in 1996 of calculating,
in addition to the IUV, maximum periods recommended for exposure to the Sun at
true noon for four basic skin types has been continued.
In
addition, on the basis of information from the NOAA/AVHRR satellite, a map
showing the distribution of ozone over Latin America is produced regularly, on
a daily basis, and offered in conjunction with those produced previously and
the maps showing the surface temperature of the sea around Argentina.
Distribution
of the satellite images generated by CONAE, together with the promotion of
their use in socio-economic activities, takes place through the Unit for
Satellite Image Distribution and Promotion of Satellite Image Applications
(DISPA), which also provides technical assistance.
CONAE
makes available the infrastructure of CREDAS and DISPA for collecting and
distributing information relating to environmental monitoring.
4. What
are the capabilities of your country or organization for environmental
monitoring? Are these capabilities only in national level? If not, how are
these applied in the regional or global levels.
CONAE
currently has in operation the satellite SAC-C, launched on 21 November 2000 by
a NAS Delta 2 rocket; this is taking pictures of the whole Argentine territory
with the three cameras with which it is equipped, and gathering data with its
on-board instruments.
·
MMRS—Multispectral
medium-resolution scanner
Five channels in the optical domain; resolution 175 m (or 350
m)
·
TRC—Panchromatic
high-resolution tracking camera
One channel in the optical domain of 400-900 nm; resolution 35
m
·
HSTC—High-sensitivity
tracking camera
One channel in the optical domain, 450-850 nm; resolution 300 m
·
DCS—Data collection system
CONAE
and NASA agreed that the SAC-C mission should form a constellation with the
United States satellites Landsat 7, EO-1 and Terra, including instruments from
the United States, Argentina, Denmark, Italy, France and Japan. This is called
the “Matutina Constellation”.
The
data from SAC-C, Landsat 7 and the moderate-resolution imaging
spectroradiometer (Terra) are received in real time at CONAE’s Córdoba Ground
Station. They are generally available three weeks after being obtained. Some
data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer
(ASTER) and the satellite EO-1 are subject to special clauses set out in the
Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between NASA and CONAE.
Scheduled
for the period 2003-2005 are the assembly and launching into orbit of the
satellites SAOCOM 1A and 1B, and for the period 2005-2008 the satellites SAOCOM
2A and 2B. They will have a synthetic aperture radar in the L-band as their
main instrument, as well as cameras in the optical range. The SAR will have
complete polarization and will emit and receive in both vertical and horizontal
polarization (HH, VV, HV, VH).
The
new satellites will provide information both for indirect studies of the
effects of global change, as for example determination of absorbent areas of
greenhouse gases, and for the direct study of such gases in the atmosphere.
An
agreement has been signed between CONAE and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) for
the creation of the “Italian-Argentine Satellite System for Emergency
Management”. The agreement provides for the joint development of new satellites
specifically devoted to the management of emergencies. Both countries will use
the data from the Italian COSMO-Skymed mission—made up of seven satellites—and
the Argentine SAOCOM mission—composed of two satellites—in order to utilize the
potential of remote sensing in the event of a natural disaster or emergency
affecting their territories. Response time is from 12 to 24 hours. The data
will be used not only for studying natural emergencies and those caused by
human activity but also for the monitoring of harvests, forest and marine
resources, soil exploitation, topography and continental and oceanic ice.
All
information obtained and to be obtained in the future can be the subject of
agreements with countries in the region.
5. Due to the great importance of funding,
which funding mechanisms are appropriate? How can we implement these
mechanisms?
No
comments.
6. What is your idea about the implementation
of the work plan implementation strategy time frame and evaluation process?
No comments.
(II) France (CNES)
Questions:
1.
What
are the capabilities and possibilities of your country/organization for
networking and knowledge sharing, and capacity building? How these capabilities
could be used in regional and global levels?
CNES being the French Space
Agency, has no proper capacity nor mandate to address the need for a worldwide
environmental monitoring strategy.
Its activities are implemented on
a cooperative basis providing a comprehensive program including space components,
participating in regional or international Committees (like CEOS), or being
active in environmental oriented Programs through its subsidiaries.
2.
What
are your suggestions and comments for the implementation of networking and
knowledge sharing and capacity building issues (in addition to what proposed)?
The first
recommendation would be to draw a statement on existing networks already
established and on operation, which could be of use for the proposed strategy.
In that
field, the CEOS database run and updated by WMO (websites: www.ceos.org and http://alto-stratus.wmo.ch/sat/stations/default.html)
would provide the space component information. Accurate information are available on the SPOT data and
particularly on the recently launched SPOT5 improved data, on the ESA Envisat
satellite data, and on Jason data dedicated to the ocean study.(for further
information refer to www.cnes.fr)
On a
complementary basis, the IGOS (Integrated Global Observing Strategy)
Partnership could be of great interest to contact. The Integrated Global
Observing Strategy (IGOS) unites the major satellite and surface-based systems
for global environmental observations of the atmosphere, oceans and land. aims at shaping a strategic planning
process,is intended to cover all forms of data collection concerning the
physical, chemical, biological and human environment user driven and intends to
provide opportunities for capacity building and assisting countries to obtain
maximum benefit from the total set of observations. (refer to website ; www.igospartners.org)
With
regards to the knowledge transfer, GDTA (Groupement pour le Developpement de la
Teledetection Aerospatiale) a CNES Subsidiary, trains(both in French and
English) professionals from all
disciplines in the tools and methods used to exploit information from data
acquired by Earth observation satellites. (see website: www.gdta.fr)
3.
On
the subject of setting up the collection and distribution of information and
data management, what capabilities are available in your country/organization?
Could these capabilities be used in the regional or global level? If yes, how?
CNES
subsidiary MEDIAS France, aims at federating in a single network research
centres, universities and other organizations interested in the study of
various aspects of global change in the Mediterranean basin and Subtropical
Africa. the goal of the network is to develop cooperative research projects,
set up permanent observation systems, build up dada banks, develop models, and
to train and provide exchanges for students and research workers. (website: http://medias.meteo.fr)
CNES is a
full participant in the GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security)
initiative conducted jointly by the European Union and the European Space
Agency. An extension of this program dedicated to the African countries is
currently under consideration.
4.
What
are the capabilities of your country or organization for environmental
monitoring? Are these capabilities available only in national level? If not,
how are these applied in the regional or global levels?
Considering
that an efficient use of space technology in disaster management can be
achieved through a long term working relationship between the civil protection
community and space agencies, CNES and ESA have established in 2000, as
announced in July 1999, during the UNISPACE III Conference, an
"International Charter on Space and Major Disasters" together with
CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) and NOAA
(US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). The main purpose of the
Charter is to supply during periods of crisis to States or communities whose
population , activity or property are exposed to an imminent risk, or are
already victims of natural or technical disasters, data providing as basis for
critical information for the anticipation and management of the crises.
5.
Due
to the great importance of funding, which funding mechanisms are appropriate?
How can we implement these mechanisms?
CNES has
no dedicated funds to participate in the implementation of such mechanisms.
This type of funds can be provided by the French or European funds for
Development of Environment managed by National Ministries or European
Directorates.
6.
What
is your idea about the implementation of the work plan implementation strategy,
time frame and evaluation process?
No particular
comment.
(III) Iran (Islamic Republic of) (IRSC)
Questions:
1.
What
are the capabilities and possibilities of your country/organization for
networking and knowledge sharing, and capacity building? How these capabilities
could be used in regional and global levels?
As the only governmental
organization in I. R. Iran for space Remote Sensing IRSC has not proper
capacity or mandate to address the need for a worldwide environmental monitoring
strategy.
2.
What
are your suggestions and comments for the implementation of networking and
knowledge sharing and capacity building issues (in addition to what proposed)?
The
recommendation could be to draw a statement on existing networks already
established and on operation, which could be of use for the proposed strategy.
3.
On
the subject of setting up the collection and distribution of information and
data management, what capabilities are available in your country/organization?
Could these capabilities be used in the regional or global level? If yes, how?
IRSC as
the governmental body for data collection and distribution and management aims
to establish a network of research centers, universities and other
organizations interested in the study of various aspects of the environmental
changes in the region. The goal of the network is to develop cooperative
research projects, set up permanent observation systems, build up dada banks,
develop models, and to train and provide exchanges for students and research
workers.
4.
What
are the capabilities of your country or organization for environmental
monitoring? Are these capabilities available only in national level? If not,
how are these applied in the regional or global levels?
The
environmental data is available in IRSC not only for use by the specialists and
experts of the center, but also for any interested body and organization
involved in environmental data achieved through earth space observations.
Neither the center nor the country has its own monitoring systems. The efforts
are being carried out in the direction of making the country’s own
environmental monitoring satellite to be realized.
5.
Due
to the great importance of funding, which funding mechanisms are appropriate?
How can we implement these mechanisms?
IRSC has
no dedicated funds to participate in the implementation of such mechanisms.
6.
What
is your idea about the implementation of the work plan implementation strategy,
time frame and evaluation process?
No particular comment
(IV) Pakistan (SUPARCO)
Q-1 What are the capabilities and
possibilities of your country/organization for
networking and knowledge sharing and
capacity building? How these
capabilities could be used in
regional and global levels?
SUPARCO has establishments/monitoring
stations at Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Peshawar for its own R & D
activities including environmental
studies such as Ambient Air Pollution Monitoring, Ozone, Climate Change
and Global Warming studies etc. using satellite remote sensing and ground based
data. These capabilities could be used through the arrangement of training
programmes and sharing of completed
/published scientific studies.
Q-2 What are your suggestions and comments for
the implementation of networking and knowledge sharing and capacity building
issues (in addition to what proposed)?
Implementation of networking
(i)
Survey
of all member countries will be conducted for assessment of expertise and
facilities available for the implementation of plan.
(ii)
Creation
of Web site
(iii)
Establishment of a main Focal Point as central data center in any member
country. The Focal Point will further be connected to the nominated institution of each member
country. The Focal Point will be responsible for execution of the networking.
(iv)
Holding of regional meetings and seminars/
workshops in major contributing countries.
Q-3 On the subject of setting up the
collection and distribution of information and data management, what
capabilities are available in your country/organization? Could these
capabilities be used in the regional or global level? If yes, how?
SUPARCO’s
facilities established in Karachi, have the infrastructure for carrying out
Environmental research work. The geographical location of Karachi allows
receiving atmospheric satellite data covering most of the countries in Africa`
Gulf, Central Asia, South East Asia. At SUPARCO, we have APT/WEFAX and TOVS
data receiving/processing facilities. Ozone measurements from ground to about
35 km height are also carried out using GPS based Ozone Balloon Sounding
System. With the help of Pollution Monitoring Mobile Laboratory, observations
of multiple sites are conducted.
Using the data acquired
through the above facilities, research studies of global warming, climate change,
development of prediction models of different weather and climatic phenomena
like monsoon rainfall etc. are being conducted. Long term atmospheric records
and related sectoral information are essential for assessing the short and
longer term sensitivity and vulnerability of communities to environmental
hazards, for ensuring preparedness, for
planning guidelines and for establishing response strategies that build
resilience for coping with future extreme events. Therefore, environmental
monitoring is considered to be very essential to ensure timely warning to
protect life and property against such hazards for the provision of support
services for a wide variety of economic and social sectors. SUPARCO thus provides trained manpower and
resources for data processing and research work etc. required for mitigating
these disasters and poverty alleviation in the country.
Based on the research work
carried out by SUPARCO, number of environmental studies have been published in
national and international journals which could be shared through networking as
well as training programmes. SUPARCO has also established a website
www.suparco.gov.pk where information
on environmental programme / studies are regularly updated.
Q-4 What are the capabilities of your country
or organization for environmental monitoring? Are these capabilities available
only in national level? If not, how are these applied in the regional or global
levels?
Data of Ambient Pollutants has been collecting through the
following available facilities:
b)
Ground
based observations. (For scientific studies and on the request of national
agencies/industries .
c)
Pollution
Monitoring Mobile lab.(some occasional observations of multiple sites have been
made)
d)
Satellite
based data acquisition facilities.(national and regional levels studies)
Q-5 Due to the great importance of funding,
which funding mechanisms are appropriate? How can we implement these
mechanisms?
SUPARCO has a well developed set up of environmental monitoring and have
adequate trained manpower, however existing facilities need up gradation and
expansion of facilities for fixed
multiple stations. Therefore funding mode
for the Procurement of Hardware/
Software/ Consumables and establishment of analytical laboratory is most appropriate. The proposed Focal Point will be
responsible for the exploration and implementation of funding on the request of
requirement of member country.
Q-6 What
is your idea about the implementation of the work plan implementation strategy,
time frame and evaluation process?
Work Plan Implementation Strategy
The proposed plan may
be implemented in three phases, i.e., planning phase, implementation phase and
results consolidation phase. The planning phase will be implemented first. Programme Implementation and Coordination
will be secured through the establishment of a Programme Management and
Implementation Unit which may be called as Focal Point and
may be housed in the SUPARCO.
Time Frame
The networking plan in initial
step is proposed for three-year programme of work.
Evaluation process
Holding of meetings/training programmes/workshops on quarterly/yearly
basis and evolution of the work would be made after these events in the form of
bulletins/reports/proceedings.
The evaluation of environmental studies should be
made through the following tools
a- Ambient Pollutants
Levels and Standards
b- Evaluation of sources of
specific pollutants through statistic
methods and Models
studies
c- Emission inventories/measurement.
(V) Russian Federation
(Russian Aviation and Space Agency, and Sovinformsputnik)
* (The pictures are attached- AT#1 Chairpersons)
The remote sensing applications have been intensively developed for
recent years. Big changes take place at all levels and all structural elements
of the industry. The Russian industry of Remote Sensing has the multi year
experience, rich gains and interesting plans of development. There is
confidence, that exist good perspective for further progress in the Remote
Sensing of the Earth and good possibilities for promotion of international
cooperation.
It is important to review the following aspects:
- The most important components of the technology including the space segment, on-ground segment, processing of data;
- GIS, including for the monitoring of natural and industrial hazards;
- Possible directions of cooperation.
Special attention is to be paid to the processing of Data. This is the
most important aspect from the point of view of the estimate of the prospect
and directions of the further development of the industry of high-resolution
remote sensing. Closer and closer integration of remote sensing with GIS
technologies is becoming the dominant tendency of the modern development. A
successful realization of different problems is based upon an integrated use of
the whole spectrum of space systems beginning with the low-resolution data (1
km) and up to high-resolution data (1-2 m), use of different types of
information and geo-spatial technologies.
2. Brief
historical review
Let us briefly review the history of the development of the Russian
remote sensing spacecraft. This is useful for the understanding of the current state
and capacity of the Russian remote sensing industry.
The first spacecraft of earth observation of high resolution (by the
measure of those times) was launched in the former Soviet Union on April 26,
1962. Its spatial resolution was approximately 5 m. 2 m resolution was reached
rather quickly and continued to improve further.
Since 1974 the wide civilian application of high-resolution data has
started.
And in 1986 the use of high-resolution data has been started for the
international cooperation and foreign customers.
By that time huge archives have been accumulated already. Various types
of spacecraft were developed. Mainly those were spacecraft with the film
on-board. Of course with the development of the digital systems the number of
their launches started to decrease significantly. Nevertheless more than 1500
remote sensing spacecraft of high resolution is an enormous and unique piece of
experience, which is becoming accessible more and more to the world community.
For many years Russia has been accumulating the huge archive of high
resolution data, data bases of topographical and geodesic information,
different types of its processing.
At present the law of Russia permits the use of Data
with the resolution not better than 1 m for civilian applications and
international cooperation. Both the archive data accumulated for many years and
the new survey materials upon the requests of the clients are used.
3. Remote sensing technology
Proceeding to the perspective and the tendencies of the development let
us consider as a follow up:
-
the
space segment,
-
the
on-ground segment,
-
GIS
technologies of the processing and application of data.
In Russia both lines of the development found their continuation: first
the upgrading of the heavy (by today’s estimates) multi purpose satellites and
secondly the development of lightweight spacecraft.
The example of the first direction is “Resurs-DK”. Its characteristics are given in the Pic.1. The main reason, which motivates the continuation of the operation of the spacecraft of such type, is the high degree of the validation and high reliability of all support systems. The platform allows the installment of various types of payloads.
“Resurs-DKR” is one of the variants of the space-based radar.
Its main characteristics are given in the Pic.2. The resolution on the
ground –1m and can be improved.
“Meteor-3M” spacecraft launched on 10th December 2001.
“Meteor-3M” has on board 10 types of various equipment for Earth observation. The
data received from “Meteor-3M” can be used for the solution of a big number of
various tasks. Main characteristics of the “Meteor-3M” on-board equipment are
given in the Pic.3
3.2. On-ground segment
The main link here is the Receiving Station. Here we have also two
tendencies:
-
Appearance
of universal complexes to plan, program the spacecraft, receive, process and
distribute data;
-
Specialization
of the software and hardware complexes by separate purposes to be solved.
Moreover, the Receiving station or the Remote Sensing Centers are
becoming the independent segment of the market of geoinformation products.
Receiving Station of the
full replenishment allows:
-
Receive
and process data from various sources including the spacecraft, remote sensing
aviation means, on ground measurements;
-
Perform
the exchange of data via the Repeater satellite or by the public access
communication networks.
The Customer or the subscriber of the remote sensing data can have a
station in the minimal configuration, which permits only the reception of data
from the spacecraft or the station can be equipped up to the complete
replenishment.
The functioning scheme is shown in the Pic.4.
The Station can be in the stationary or the mobile configurations. In both cases the station upon the request of the subscriber can be equipped by the means of tasking the remote sensing, transmission of the working programs on-board the satellite, reception and processing of data in the real time mode.
3.3. Data processing
The general technological chain for the geoinformation data processing
is given in the Pic.5. The first steps are mandatory:
-
Geometric
and
-
Photometric
corrections.
The higher is the accuracy of these technological phases the more are the opportunities for the automated data processing including the development of GIS, identification of objects and creation of dynamic models.
The required phase of the GIS production is the development of the
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the assigned territory. Here the tendency of
the time is also the increase of the accuracy.
DEM can be received as a result of the processing of
stereo pairs. At this archive images can be used for the relief model creation
since the relief of the terrain as a rule is rarely the subject of big changes.
For the DEM development the databases of the topographic maps can also be used.
DEM can also be used at the development of the 3-D elevation models, about
which we will talk later.
3.4. GIS development
Further we pass over directly to the modern information product – GIS.
The first phase is the building of the digital topographic map of the town.
The
basis of any GIS is digital terrain map.
Digital
terrain maps should correspond to topological requirements and should be
produced taking into account the spatial logical relations between different
levels (or layers) of digital data. In general case terrain maps, including
those produced on a basis of space imagery, contain the following (by layers):
-
geodetic
basis elements;
-
ortho-image;
-
terrain
relief represented in a form of contours with optional regular matrix of
heights;
-
hydrography
and hydrographic constructions;
-
cities
with classification of buildings by type and material;
-
industrial,
agricultural and social objects;
-
transportation
network (roads, railroads) and road constructions;
-
vegetation
and soil;
-
borderlines;
- text and semantics.
Depending on the specific need of the customer the filling of the digital terrain maps can be changed, added and reduced. Digital maps can be used as the basis for the traditional paper maps and terrain atlases.
Later by DEM and the topographic map the digital terrain
model is being built. The accuracy of the model depends on the use of the
initial data and technologies of data processing. The terrain model can be
presented in the form of the so-called 3-D model. 3D model allows us to look at
the terrain from various observation points, fly above the terrain patch,
produce the “fly-by movie”.
4. Application
of the remote sensing data and GIS
4.1.
Application of the remote sensing data
Further we give some estimates of the current situation connected with
the application of the remote sensing data and the forecasts of its
development.
The below given analysis is based not only on the investigations of the
Russian market but also takes into account the 15-year experience of the work
in the world markets as well as the analytical works and the experience of
foreign companies.
At present and in the near future the following structure of
distribution of data applications takes place:
-
mapping 30%
-
agriculture
and forestry 20-25%
-
geology
10-15%;
-
study
of environment and exploration of territories 10-15%
-
urbanization
10 %
There are objective quantity indexes, which allow composing the
definite idea on the potential of the world market for mapping data. One of
such indexes is the degree of the coverage of the Earth surface by the maps of
various scales.
The systemized data on the coverage by maps of the earth surface are
contained in the document presented by the UN Secretariat in 1987.
It is forecast that by the year 2010 the main problem of the world
mapping will be the satisfaction of the needs of the most dynamically
developing regions of the world. The matter is that the mapping of vast
territories indicated in the UN Report as covered by the mapping survey took
place many years ago, even decades ago and the mapping materials needs
renovation. This need will become even more urgent with time.
The first priority world needs in mapping natural resources by the
estimation of the UN specialists include the following:
-
Acceleration
of the medium scale mapping of natural resources (in the scale of 1:50 000) and
renewal of maps;
-
Economical
provision of mapping data to the agriculture regions;
-
Effective
mapping (renewal) of urban territories.
From above it can be seen with evidence that there is a need to apply at the development and especially at the renewal of maps the space based remote sensing means.
Now, having reviewed the entire basis technological chain of the
acquisition, reception and processing of the remote sensing data let us pass
over to the main information products and applications of data and GIS. This is
as we think the most important aspect from the point of view of the estimate of
the prospect and directions of further development for the industry of
high-resolution remote sensing.
The emphasis is shifted already from the problems of acquisition or
purchase of the information to the field of the problems of effective use of
information, the problems of the presentation of information to the user in the
accessible and convenient form.
Closer and closer integration of remote sensing with GIS technologies
is becoming the dominant tendency of the modern development. In the final run
it is quite probable that the merge of the remote sensing and GIS will take
place into the single system of processing, distribution of information. At
this the possibilities of such unified system will exceed the capacities of the
systems to be combined. And the companies themselves in the field of remote
sensing and in the area of GIS are becoming more and more information
companies.
The range of applications of remote sensing data and GIS is quite wide
and various.
The most complicated but at the same time most needed (for the end user)
product is the geoinformation systems for the defined region with account taken
of the specifics of the activity of the user. At this not only separate types
of products (images, maps and so on) are supplied but the specific software is
offered and recommended, which allows to get the best solution for the tasks of
the specific user of the spatial information. For instance, GIS for agronomy,
GIS for the manager of the oil region, GIS for the municipal police and so on,
so forth. Only by providing the comprehensive character and specialization of
information one can count on a wide circle of users.
Depending on customer’s requirements so called thematic maps are
produced. Thematically processed images serve as the basis for production of
thematic maps and filling of GIS.
The creation of GIS integrated with 3D-models, thematic data base and
the possibilities of dynamic update of information is the perspective and
economically effective direction.
Such GIS are particularly suitable for areas with quick changes of
natural or artificial character (for example, construction).
5.
Proposals of Russian Side participation
Our action team’s aim is in coordination of exploration by space remote sensing means the global environmental changes, man-caused and natural influences on environment as well as action development in reducing disastrous consequence of those events.
Russia might contribute to the provision of remote sensing data to
solve the following tasks in the context of international integration:
-
Forest
assessment, inventory and mapping, forest management, deforestation and
desertification monitoring;
-
Agricultural
monitoring to assess productive resources: crop identification, monitoring and
yield prediction, soil mapping and erosion detection, land-reclamation object
monitoring;
-
Emergency
prediction and monitoring: floods, forest fires, changes in marine and
reservoir coast lines, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, man-caused
disasters (nature identification and damage assessment);
-
Environmental
impact monitoring: hydrology of continents and water management, monitoring of
mineral deposit exploitation regions, water pollution, thermal pollution.
Data needed for these tasks may be obtained by Russian “Meteor-3M”,
“Resurs-DK”, “Resurs-O1” №5 space systems, “Vulkan” and “Mikro-Resurs”
small satellites, and “Monitor” spacecraft.
One of lines of possible Russia participation in the international
cooperation is collaborative efforts aimed at building-up space monitoring
systems. The problem may be resolved successfully using the data from the
entire spectrum of space systems beginning with low resolution (1km) data with
daily monitoring of the areas, medium resolution (30-150 m) data with 5 days
period monitoring, high resolution from 10-30 m up to 1-2 m data obtained
according to specified schedule of surveys.
International cooperation is of critical importance for Russia and may be achieved on a mutually beneficial basis using the experience gained by parties and the available space facilities for the Earth remote sensing. The following efforts along with the establishment of institutional and organizational principles, will encourage a fruitful collaboration between Russia and other countries:
-
Format
matching and satellite data exchange;
-
Implementation
of monitoring programs;
-
Collaborative
development of GIS to provide due forecasting and warning for inhabitants about
man-caused or natural disastrous events.
Development of the concept will be beneficial for all
participants including in the fields of scientific information exchange and
intergovernmental monitoring, investment inducement, establishing
infrastructure for society information development, facilitating user access to
remote sensing data, improvement of information quality (a wider coverage, more
frequent updating, use of more types of observation instruments).
6.
Conclusion
Thus, despite the problems and discussions in the field of data distribution and application, the industry of Remote Sensing has been rapidly developed, has showed its efficiency and has been actively integrated into the modern information technologies.
Paradoxically, but it’s the fact: the wide using of high resolution data in the civil applications has showed that civil customer requirements in most cases are more strict then requirements of traditional customers of data and remote sensing production.
Speaking about current condition of Russian Remote Sensing industry we can declare that all the modern infrastructure for data receiving, processing, distribution and product manufacturing has been developed and proved.
This includes satellite, aerial and ground systems of information
collection, GPS/GLONASS equipment, communication lines, ground means for data
processing and integration into Geo-information Systems and other information
systems.
Software makers, training and university courses for remote sensing
specialists in this field are expanding, actively developing and should be
discussed additionally.
Moreover, development of technology and market shows that the use of
Remote Sensing technologies is maximally effective in case of joint use of
different kinds of information, data bases and information processing
technologies.
Russian enterprises and organisations possess the huge experience of practical application of Remote Sensing data. As a result of performance of different types of projects for many years the large geo-information data bases have been accumulated in the Russian Federation, as well as big experience of performance of international projects and applications with full technological chain for work with receiving, processing and distribution of Remote Sensing data and products. This experience can be and must be used for the benefit of world community.
(VI) Syria (Republic of) (GORS)
·
Q
.1. capabilities and possibilities for networking and knowledge sharing,
and capacity building. How these capabilities could be used in regional and
global levels?
-Syria through GORS would like to
exchange information and knowledge through networking, it has the needed staff
and equipments as well as information
which can be used to develop and facilitate the regional and international
networking.
The capabilities can be used as
follow:
Cary out inventory of regional
organizations working on environmental monitoring.
Facilitate the organizing of
regional and international workshops.
Organizing regional awareness
raising activities.
Facilitate the knowledge sharing
among the concerned countries and organizations.
·
Q.2.
suggestions and comments for the implementation of networking and knowledge
sharing and capacity building issues.
The proposed activities in the
proposed work plan cover wide spectrum of the networking and knowledge sharing
issues. So there is no new suggestions or comments in this domain
·
Q.3. Available
capabilities on the subject of setting up the collection and distribution of
information and data management.
GORS has different media of
capabilities that can be used in the field of information collection and
distribution, as well as data collection. Which can be use to promote regional
cooperation and contribute to the technical support of information distribution
and data management. Also to provide training in this field
·
Q.4.
Capabilities for environmental monitoring.
GORS capabilities in this field is limited and have been used only in
the national level in some issues such
as desertification and environmental degradation monitoring.
·
Q.5.
Appropriate funding mechanisms
Appropriate funding mechanisms
are those who concern about the environmental issues, such as environmental
funds, regional and international banks and related UN bodies. As well as the national environmental financial
resources.
Those mechanisms can be
implemented by creation of new mechanisms and encourage financial organizations
to create activities for environmental development and protection.
Also providing the financial participation of supporting agencies in the
implantation of the work plan.
·
Q.6.
Implantation of the work plan.
since
GORS as a co-chairperson has participated in the preparation of the work plan,
so it agrees on the implementation strategy and time frame of the work plan.
(VII) SGAC (Space Generation Advisory
Council)
SGAC initial proposals:
1. It
is important to increase the use and availability of remote sensing data
for environmental monitoring. It is believed that one of the first steps in
doing so is to collect URL links of Internet sites that are providing useful
information and place them under a single Internet site. During the index
development, it is important to focus
on compiling and categorizing environmental data that currently exists.
2. It
is also recommended to further encourage the use of “off the
shelf”, commercial, and other readily available environmental monitoring
hardware and software to be used wherever possible. It is deemed that doing so
will significantly reduce initial capital and operating expenses.
3. The
database and library of environmental data, research, and
projects should be available to the public. The public access to this data
should then be made via a single focal point, preferably via COPUOS.
4. Training
for scientists, researchers, and technicians in the use
of hardware and software including data gathering and sharing
techniques from developing countries should be readily available with minimal
expenses.
5. Establish
scientific and technical exchange programmes whenever
possible to achieve all the above mentioned
6. It
is known that various levels of financial and in-kind
assistance for the developing countries are needed to improve and build the
necessary local infrastructures. One of the first steps to achieve this is to
identify on-going hardware and software donation providers and create a
mechanism for global distribution.
Next SGAC steps:
1. SGAC
is currently gathering remote sensing Internet data and
resources and developing a database to track and store such data, which would
also
be used for future distribution.
2. Co-facilitate
a series of forums in identifying training methods
and funding capabilities for scientists, researchers, and technicians.
3. In
order to implement the recommendation, SGAC will establish
contacts with environmental related organizations with similar interests,
including UNEAP and other NGEs.