Bannert, Dietrich 
  
The data acquired is mainly in digital format. Multispectral scanners (MSS) with bands numbering from 3 to 220, 
covering the visible to short-wave range of the electromagnetic spectrum, are the most common instruments in space and 
on aircraft. The trend to improve the spatial resolution will continue and add unprecedented image data, which, when 
combined with selected MSS bands, will build a powerful source of information. Radar satellites with their all-weather 
capabilities add to the spectrum of satellites. Radar data together with the precise ranging of the satellite will add 
measured quantities to earth observation. For the first time we are in a position to generate an exact topographical model 
of the earth surface. Altitudes can thus be compared from continent to continent. Future missions will deliver data for a 
higher vertical resolution and will be of a more precise cartographic quality. 
Powerful computers are available practical for everyone and expectations are high that automated procedures will be 
developed that warn authorities and organisations of disasters to come. However, their remains a lot of work to be done: 
Basic geologic research has to continue using conventional methods. Remote sensing application has to be intensified, 
since it contributes to many geological research programs essential information. The user community has to make 
herself heard by the sensor and satellite providers in order to have more suitable satellites in orbit. 
The Geological Application of Remote Sensing (GARS) Programme is addressing a wide variety of these issues in 
order to have more powerful tools developed to assess potential hazards, to monitor ongoing geological catastrophes and 
to register and appraise the damages occurred. GARS is an international co-operation programme jointly sponsored by 
UNESCO and IUGS. It had been initiated 1983 with the aims 
> to demonstrate the use of advanced remote sensing techniques for the solution of key geological questions 
> to ensure the transfer of information and technology through co-operative research in the field in combination with 
educational programmes 
> to ensure a wide dissemination of results 
IUGS and UNESCO science and education policy asks for the promotion of new techniques in the field of earth sciences 
and to involve scientists from developing countries by co-operative research, training and technology transfer. Usually, 
research programs are initiated between two or more partners at key geological or geological / environmental problems. 
The project has addressed a number of essential problems in the past: 
- the development of new methods for the integration of multisensor data to improve lithologic mapping in tropical 
environments (East-Africa) 
-  landslide mapping using GIS technology based on satellite data and new 
Radar information on test sites in Colombia 
- the analysis of volcanic and associate hazards in the Philippines to demonstrate the use of remote sensing, SAR in 
particular. During this current Phase 3 GARS institutes co-operate with the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and 
Seismology (PHIVOLCS). 
Currently, the scope of the GARS-Program widens, as new remote sensing techniques emerge, new satellites are being 
launched and a growing number of organisations in developing countries and in the industrialised world apply remote 
sensing techniques. 
2. THE APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING TO IDENTIFY AND MONITOR HAZARDS OF 
GEOLOGIC ORIGIN 
In geology we identify two major forces that influence the surface of our planet. They are the endogene forces and the 
exogene forces. Both can result in disasters. The endogene forces, stemming from the earth interior, can cause uplifting, 
earthquakes, as well as volcanic activity. Among the exogene forces are erosion, flooding, desertification with all the 
associated disasters once larger populations are affected. 
  
114 International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B7. Amsterdam 2000.