I5PR5 
UNISPACE III - ISPRS/EARSeL Workshop on 
“Remote Sensing for the Detection, Monitoring 
and Mitigation of Natural Disasters” 
2:30-5:30 pm, 22 July 1999, VIC Room B 
Vienna, Austria 
Traditionally, volcanoes are best monitored by using geophysical 
instruments, so-called seismometers, which record the seismic 
events very often associated with volcanic underground 
movements. Remote sensing methods are suitable to observe the 
surface processes of volcanic eruptions (CHOROWICZ, J et al 
1992). These include also processes that precede a volcanic 
emption: thermal remote sensing of volcanic lakes or fumarole 
fields (ROTHERY, D.A. et al.1988; OPPENHEIMER, C. et al 
1993; URAI, M. 1996; BANNERT, D. 1998), topographic 
changes like bulging and collapse of the volcanic edifice could be 
observed in optical and radar data, including interferometric data. 
Gas emissions are monitored from ground stations in order to 
detect changes in the gas composition, which could indicate a 
change in the behaviour of a volcano. New instruments on 
LANDSAT-7 and on the EO-1 polar platform to be launched at 
the end of this century by NASA and NASDA will provide 
thermal multispectral sensors with a foot-print of 60m X 60m 
on the ground. They will be much more capable of thermal 
mapping than the current thermal sensors on NO A A and other 
weather satellites. 
To assess tire local impact of a volcanic emption, radar and 
optical sensors have been proven to be very cost-effective, 
especially when combined with digital terrain models (DAAG, A. 
&C. VANWESTEN 1996 ;). 
Volcanic hazard prediction includes the application of the above 
mentioned sensors, as well as precise digital terrain models in 
order to predict possible emption centres and tire possible 
distribution of volcanic products downhill. 
3.4 Active faults and earthquakes 
The delineation of active faults becomes an urgent necessity. 
Many damsites in tire world have been constructed on active 
faults and the knowledge of the distribution of such faults, 
especially w'hen they are associated with earthquake hypo-and 
epi-centres might help to mitigate larger losses due to dam 
collapses and landslides, as well as by direct earthquake damage. 
Active faults in many cases can be delineated on remotely sensed 
optical, thermal (TRONIN, A. A. 1996) and radar images. They 
occur in regionally different patterns, and the knowledge of these 
patterns, the reconstruction of the kind of movements along the 
faults, and their connection with active volcanoes will greatly 
help in the assessment of geological hazards. 
4. THE ROLE OF UNESCO/IUGS GARS-PROGRAM IN 
NATURAL HAZARDS PREDICTION AND 
MONITORING 
The GARS- (Geological Application of Remote Sensing) 
Program (LEROI, E. et al 1995) is an international co-operation 
programme jointly sponsored by UNESCO and IUGS. It had 
been initiated 1983 with the aims 
1) to demonstrate the use of adv anced remote sensing techniques 
for the solution of key geological questions 
2) to ensure the transfer of information and technology through 
co-operative research in the field in combination with educational 
programmes 
3) to ensure wide dissemination of results 
The project is currently in its tliird pliase. 
The objectives of Phase 1 were 
- to develop new methods for the integration of multisensor data 
to improve lithologic mapping in tropical environments (East- 
Airica) 
The objectives of Phase 2 were 
- landslide mapping using GIS teclmology based on satellite data 
and new Radar information on test sites in Colombia 
The objectives of Phase 3 are 
- to demonstrate the use of remote sensing, SAR in particular, 
for the analysis of volcanic and associate hazards in the 
Philippines 
UNESCO and IUGS science 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. 
Phase 1, the multisensor data for lithologic mapping in Eastern 
Africa is now in the technology transfer phase, during which the 
Royal Museum for Central Africa is introducing the PANGIS hard- 
and software programme in 13 African institutes, mostly national 
geological surveys. 
Phase 2. the landslide project is now in its world-wide application 
phase. A training programme lias been developed by ITC, called 
GISSIZ (Geograpliic Information Systems in Slope Instability 
Zonation, VAN WESTER C. J. 1993). ITC with funding from the 
European Union developed and distributes this training package 
world-wide. The GISSIZ includes besides Geological 
information, DTM, based on SPOT-stereo and ERS-radar data, 
and rainfall data. 
Phase 3 is currently in its final period. Main emphasis of the program 
lies on the application of radar data for terrain modelling in the 
Philippines. However, the interpretation of various image products, 
like SPOT-VHR and PAN data and others is still a main constituent 
of the research of various groups. Currently, thermal data is gathered 
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXII Part 7C2, UNISPACE III, Vienna, 1999 
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