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decade, acquiring data from satellites launched by both
regional and non - regional countries. However it is still
found in many cases that it is not the lack of these
facilities that is impeding the application of remote
sensing, but the high recurrent cost of image purchase.
In these circumstances, it is suggested, that urgent
international consideration be given to the provision of
data at as low cost of possible. Provision of data could
well be considered as a continuing form of aid from the
developed countries. It is further suggested that within
countries, remote sensing data should be distributed and
available at little or no cost recovery, being treated by
government in the same manner as support for
infrastructure. As yet these policies have not been
implemented throughout the Asian region.
It is considered that institutional issues cannot be
adequately assessed until the formal and informal
networks operating in a country are fully understood and
strengthened. This seen to be best addressed by the
establishment of national coordinating committees to
facilitate and coordinate the introduction of remote
sensing technology. The membership of these
committees should consist of representatives of user
agencies or potential users agencies, including the
public, private and education sectors. In addition it is
considered that these persons should include both users
and policy makers, who control the source of funds. The
major role of these national committees should be to
facilitate the promotion of a nationally integrated policy
supported by a master plan for the phased introduction
of remote sensing technology. National committees
have been established in most of the countries of the
Asian region, however the level of commitment of
governments to them and the advice they provide, is
somewhat varied, and thus their positive influence has
not been fully exploited.
It is considered that part of the role of a national
committee is to develop an awareness of the benefits of
remote sensing at all levels of government and the
community. In the Asian region such awareness has
been developed through education and training
programs, public relations and the demonstration of
current remote sensing technology . and products.
Activities that have been suggested or implemented in
the region include: í
- the production and distribution of national or regional
newsletters or journals. (Prime examples of these are
the UNDP ESCAP publication, and the book,
"Applications of Remote Sensing in Asia and
Oceania" published by the Asian Association on
Remote Sensing)
- the development and utilization of contacts with media
representatives
- technical and regional cooperation
- the development and presentation of awareness
workshops for appropriate government, private, and
educational decision makers
- the development of audio - visual and demonstration
material for distribution to appropriate persons‘ and
agencies }
- the establishment of comprehensive and appropriate
educational programs, from secondary to graduate
levels
- the establishment of joint research programs both in -
country and internationally
- the establishment of a regional network of user
groups
277
4. CONCLUSIONS
The Asian Association on Remote Sensing and the
annual conference it supports has been a major stimulus
to the growth and promotion of remote sensing in the
region. The problems and solutions arising from the
plenary sessions "How to Promote Remote Sensing in
Developing Countries" conducted at these conferences,
have been summarised, with a view to providing advice
and support to other regions of the world.
REFERENCES
Proceedings of the Annual Conferences of the Asian
Association on Remote Sensing, 1980 - 1991.