CONSTRUCTIVE TRENDS IN DATA POLICY IN SUPPORT 
OF GLOBAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 
Christine N. Specter 
Department of Management and International Business 
Florida International University 
Miami, Florida, USA, 33199 
R. Keith Raney 
Canada Centre for Remote Sensing 
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, KIP 5M9 
ABSTRACT 
Data policy in support of global environmental monitoring is considered. The concepts 
of passive and active monitoring are introduced. Active environmental monitoring implies use 
of Earth observations for informed intervention in support of environmental management and 
sustainable development. Unless there is a change from current practice, data policy rather than 
technical capability is seen as the pacing factor limiting this application. The logical conflict 
between the market place philosophy of current remote sensing data policy and the implications 
of the long range public good is highlighted. Trends in data policy are noted that would depart 
from the market place philosophy now restraining the wide spread availability of remotely sensed 
data. A recommendation is offered that could lead towards a more progressive policy that 
would encourage use of remote sensing information on environmental issues of global 
importance. 
1. INTRODUCTION 
The idea of using remotely sensed data for global environmental monitoring has 
attracted considerable popularity. In principle, the issue represents a problem in need of 
solution, a welcome opportunity for a technology such as remote sensing to make a 
substantial contribution. However, moving from the idea to its implementation presents 
ISPRS Mid-Term Symposium 17-21 September, 1990 
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