INGENIEUR
queries for identifying most vulnerable
urban areas;
●●
improved decision making by providing
scientific evidence for climate change impact
and mitigation measures in inaccessible
areas; and
●●
meeting the basic needs of MDGs by
providing data to support resource
management, transportation, agriculture
and disaster risk management.
Furthermore, space technology applications
and geospatial information such as tele-medicine
are indispensable in the fight against infant and
maternal mortality, malaria, HIV/AIDS and other
diseases identified in the MDGs.
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY
APPLICATIONS
Contributions to MDGs
During the past 10 years, it has been fully
recognized that space-referenced information
systems, when used appropriately to take into
account the differing needs of people, are central
to facilitating the achievement of all MDGs.
Earth observation data and the convergence of
the nature and application of satellite data with
airborne data could also be used in the generation
of digital elevation models, (DEMs) for mapping.
The advances in GIS, associated GIS software,
and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
have helped to make geospatial information a
major source of data for Government, commerce
and industry. The collective progress in this type
of technology is important in eradicating poverty,
creating jobs and promoting the achievement of
several MDGs.
The Global Earth Observation System of
Systems (GEOSS) 10 Year Implementation Plan
demonstrated the possible applications in the
sectors of development as seen in Table 1.
Table 1 is a comprehensive summary of the
potential benefits of GEOSS. It is apparent that
GEOSS is a powerful tool in combating poverty
(MDG 1) through its contribution to sustained
economic growth, enhanced market efficiency,
and creation of employment opportunities. For
example, the application of space technology
in agriculture has the potential to increase food
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production through better soil management,
eco-efficient water resource management and
efficient irrig