International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXII Part 7C2, UNISPACE IE. Vienna, 1999 
122 
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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 RoomB 
Vienna, Austria 
PROGRESS OF THE CEOS DISASTER MANAGEMENT SUPPORT PROJECT 
Helen M. Wood and Levin Lauritson 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
Washington D.C., USA 
ABSTRACT 
Weather satellites have long been used to support forecasting of intensive weather hazards such as tropical cyclones, severe storms and 
flash flooding. Although there have been numerous research and operational demonstrations that illustrate the potential usefulness of 
EO satellite data for a broader range of hazards, the operational application of these data to other hazards is rare. Recognizing the 
potential benefits that could be gained from better application of EO satellite data to natural and techno logical hazards, the Committee 
on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) has initiated a project on disaster management support. This project is part of CEOS 
involvement in the broader initiative termed Integrated Global Observations Strategy (IGOS). Within this project, several hazard- 
specific teams have been formed. These teams are charged with compiling user requirements; identifying shortcomings and gaps in the 
provision of required satellite data; and developing recommendations for alleviating them. An information tools team addresses the 
tools and techniques that w'ould make it easier to acquire and use satellite data-derived information products. This paper describes that 
project -- it’s approach, accomplishments, preliminaiy findings, and plans. More information on the project is located on the project 
information server at disaster.ceos.org. 
PROJECT OVERVIEW 
The project is one of six projects sponsored by IGOS. The 
goal of IGOS is to derive greater benefit from operating and 
planned observing systems—both satellite and non-satellite. 
The project’s objective is to support natural and technological 
disaster management on a worldwide basis by fostering 
improved utilization of existing and planned Earth observation 
satellite data. The strong enthusiasm, interest, and support for 
the project are reflected in the participation of nearly 200 
individuals representing over 90 organizations. Meetings in 
1997 surveyed extensive work that demonstrated the use of 
Earth observation data for a wide variety of disaster types and 
phases. Hazard teams, that include participants from both 
satellite agencies and user organizations, were developed in 
seven areas: drought, earthquake, fire, flooding, oil spill, 
tropical cyclone, and volcanic ash. 
A 1998 workshop provided an opportunity for experts to 
assess the extent to which satellite data could be expected to 
satisfy the needs of organizations responsible for managing 
disasters. Participants identified specific user requirements, 
where possible, and developed preliminary recommendations 
for improving the ability of current and planned systems to 
meet these requirements. Subsequently, each hazard team 
refined their findings and produced an interim report. Several 
regional meeting were held in late 1998 and in 1999. Another 
workshop is planned for September 1999 in Hawaii where 
hazard teams can further refine user requirements and 
recommendations. In the last year, the tropical cyclone team 
has been retired and a landslide team has been fonned. The 
volcanic ash team has been expanded and renamed to include 
all volcanic hazards. Another regional meeting in India is 
planned for November 1999. 
Hazard teams are charged to review existing documentation 
and current practices in different geographical regions and 
compile a concise set of user information requirements for 
management of the hazard at different phases 
(preparedness/waming, relief/response/recovery, mitigation). 
They should identify the user level (international, regional, 
national, state, local, other) and type of use (research, 
demonstration, operational). They should identify existing 
practices in using satellite data in the management of the 
hazard; assess the potential of existing or planned satellite 
data to satisfy the user information requirements; analyze 
shortcomings and gaps; and make recommendations for 
improvements. 
Concurrent with the work of the hazard teams, the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hosted a 
project information server (http://disaster.ceos.org). The 
server is intended to demonstrate timely access to satellite- 
derived data and information products to support various 
facets of disaster management, it lias separate pages for 
selected disaster types, providing background and 
bibliographic information, and links to disaster specific 
Internet sites that provide data and products. Information 
about the project and its progress is available through this 
server. A 1998 Progress Report is available in hardcopy form 
from the authors. An updated hardcopy Progress Report will 
be published in late 1999.