International Archives of Photogrammetiy and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXII Part 7C2, UNISPACE III, Vienna, 1999 
78 
A/CONF. l84/r| 
Distr. : Limited 
23 July 1999 
Original: 
THIRD UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE 
ON THE EXPLORATION AND PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE 
Vienna 
19-30 July 1999 
Committee II 
Agenda item 8 
Status and applications of space science and technology 
Technical Forum 
Conclusions and proposals of the Workshop on Remote Sensing for the 
Detection, Monitoring and Mitigation of Natural Disasters, organized by the 
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and the 
European Association of Remote Sensing Laboratories 
1. The conclusions and proposals below concern paragraphs 34. 41, 42, 44. 69, 
74, 75, 79, 80, 82, 86, 90, 91, 94-99, 102, 106-119, 127, 136-139, 301, 302 and 339 
of the draft report of the Third United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Uses of 
Outer Space (UNISPACE HI) (A/CONF. 184/3 and Corr.l and 2). 
2. Remote sensing provides scientists with the data needed for predictive 
modelling of natural disasters, for appraisal of the damage caused and for mitigation 
of the deleterious effects that precede or accompany the disaster. Remote sensing is 
also recognized as an essential source of information in the initial detection and near 
real-time observation of the effects of search, rescue and assistance efforts. Many 
international cooperative activities are now being developed tlirough the efforts of 
organizations such as the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites and through 
international bilateral arrangements. The Workshop on Remote Sensing for the 
Detection, Monitoring and Mitigation of Natural Disasters reviewed the status of 
those international efforts and offered the following conclusions: 
(a) In order to use remotely sensed data effectively in relation to natural 
disasters, crisis management systems must be in place. That would allow for planning 
and collaboration between relevant agencies and rapid response to emergencies; 
(b) Considerable international cooperative efforts are needed to use remote 
sensing data and other information to develop indicators of disaster-prone areas and 
mitigation strategies and scenarios; 
(c) Space-imaging, communication and positioning systems can be effective 
tools for the management of earthquake hazards. Space-borne imaging systems can 
provide indicators, maps and measurements of quake-prone areas that can be used for 
evacuation routing, urban planning and vulnerability statistics;