Improving the utilization of remotely sensed data

This chapter reports on the work of a team set up by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites to examine the factors encouraging the increased use of space data. The main emphasis of the study was on situations where the desired outcome is a sustained capability rather than increasing the number of one-off users. Twenty-five case studies were compiled by the team. Examination of the successful case studies indicates that more of the factors favoring adoption of remote sensing products by users are within the province of the users themselves, rather than with the space agencies, but successful adoption always involves balanced cooperation between space agencies and users. In this cooperation space agencies can and should do more to ensure the greater uptake of their data and services. Critical factors from the space agency point of view are provision of user-specific products; making resources available speedily and with a minimum of bureaucracy; willingness to listen over an extended period to user needs and practical difficulties and to accommodate them to the maximum extent practicable. From the user standpoint, success appears to be very dependent on (a) the user having an understanding, and preferably first-hand experience, of the use of remote sensing data and products, and its integration into geospatial information systems; (b) a willingness to make appropriate staff available before and during the project to work with the space agency; (c) the user having a core need, such as a statutory need, for the information; (d) an ability to define rather precisely what the needs are; and (e) the user being willing and able to help develop a realistic financial scenario for an operational system. On both sides, the case studies indicate the need for innovation and flexibility in response to new opportunities for data products.