Addressing Challenges and Exploring Solutions to Enhance Earth Observation Applications for Emergency Management

Abstract

Earth observations (EO) and remote sensing technology provide essential data for understanding natural hazards and their effect on the environment and society. Emergency management relies on data-driven decision making to address disruptive and damaging events, increasingly using remote sensing to improve situational awareness. Unfortunately, gaps between the cutting edge of remote sensing science and application in emergency management diminish the value of data before use. Challenges include: the trade-offs in temporal resolution, spatial resolution, and area coverage; geographic nuances affecting asset utility; complexity in the tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination process; expectations for analysis and interpretation; data accessibility; and the rapid advancement of remote sensing and space technology. The NASA Disasters Response Coordination System (DRCS) launched in June 2024 to improve the application of NASA science for disaster response. This paper shares challenges the DRCS experienced throughout its first year and discusses best practices to improve the effectiveness of remote sensing support of emergency management activities. To bridge the gap, the DRCS proposes better curation and communication of product catalogues, tailored and varied approaches to capacity building, and enhanced coordination and collaboration.