capacity-building in applying Earth-directed space
technology, data and information to manage
disasters, and major natural or man-made
hazards. It features an emergency mechanism
that will provide data to the most important global
mechanisms the International Charter for Space
and Major Disasters.
Knowledge and Capacity Building for the
Operation and Management of Space
Technology Applications
The findings highlight that most developing
countries in the Asia Pacific region do not currently
have the knowledge or capacity for utilizing spacebased data and products. There is a need for
extracted information from the massive amount
of available geospatial data, but only a few
countries have the capacity to process and use
the extracted information effectively. Translating
the space-based language native to the data into
something more palatable that a non-expert or
policy maker can immediately understand and
use is a substantial challenge. The challenge
is fuelled by the complexity of the theories and
principles surrounding space technology and
Earth observation.
In establishing this connection, the first
important measure is to:
(1) strengthen knowledge such as transformation
from foundational concepts and principles
towards putting into operation space-derived
products. Strengthening knowledge also
includes the need to manage the facilities to
maximize the benefits from the operation of
geospatial data infrastructure and applications
in sustainable development sectors; and
(2) enhance technical knowhow and capacity
of the mechanical study of software and
procedures. For example, the capability to use
GIS software to generate hazard maps from
digital maps and data.
In order to maximize the benefits of spacebased information and products, the capacity to
co-operate and collaborate with partner agencies
and stakeholders is required not just between
United Nations agencies but also between
research institutes, academia and universities,
and not only within the Governments and Ministries
in the countries themselves but also in agencies at
the regional level. In this regard, it should be noted
that many developing countries are relatively weak
in managing co-operative partnerships with civil
society and research institutes in developing
strategies and implementation, etc., including
responsive data sharing mechanisms between
Government agencies and relevant sectors of
society.
Seeing that space technology evolves at such
a rapid rate, it is essential to continuously invest
in capacity building for new technology. There
is a need to look into the inclusion of the use of
modern geospatial information technologies in
the development of policies for decision support
systems. It is recommended that continual
review of the policies involving space technology
for sustainable development be done on both
national and local levels.
CONCLUSION
In terms of advancement of its capabilities and
an increase in usage, space technology and GIS
applications have made significant progress.
Since recognition of the gap between capability
and usage in the 1990s, organisations have
actively launched programmes to bridge the gap
between providers and end-users. The outcome
document of the United Nations Conference
on Sustainable Development, entitled “The
Future We Want” (General Assembly resolution
66/288) acknowledged the importance of space
technology-based data, in situ monitoring and
reliable geospatial information for sustainable
development policymaking, programming
and project operations. In combination with
ground information sources, space technology
applications such as remote sensing are essential
for improving the global understanding of
terrestrial, oceanic and climate-related parameters
to aid in ensuring sustainable development.
Space-derived data and technology provide
essential information and guidance for productivity
and efficiency of industry and market, creation of
employment opportunities, urban planning and
infrastructure, deforestation, precision agriculture
practices, climate change impact and early
warning systems, and disaster risk management.
For example, creating an urban inventory, thematic
maps, and queries also help to identify the most
vulnerable urban areas and "what-if" scenarios
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