Remote Sensing for Risk Analyses in Fragile Contexts

This study, conducted in 2020, sheds light on a variety of potentials and pitfalls of remote sensing for disaster risk analyses in fragile contexts. This topic gains importance in light of the need to formulate more systemic and better-integrated approaches to risk-informed development. Evidence-based policy recommendations encourage organizational learning and action such as resource pooling, project evaluation and multi-stakeholder cooperation.

The research reveals cutting-edge practical experiences from a dozen in-depth expert interviews, including the UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit and UN-SPIDER, the aerospace community NASA, DLR and Maxar, the German development agency GIZ and civil protection authority BBK. Supported by an extensive body of interdisciplinary literature, this work offers a contribution to understanding ambiguous feedback effects of digital technologies in dynamic environments.

The study is available in English only. Read More

Wikimapia

This resource provides multi-layered satellite imagery with open-access data including roads, type of built-up areas etc that can help identify potential environmental hotspots. Read More

Sinergise, Sentinel Hub

A platform with free access to ESA and NASA low resolution (10m) satellite imagery that is updated weekly and can help identify environmental changes published by Sinergise. Read More

UN, Global Risk Data Platform

The PREVIEW Global Risk Data Platform by UN Environment and UNISDR is a multiple agencies effort to share spatial data information on global risk from natural hazards. Users can visualise, download or extract data on past hazardous events, human & economical hazard exposure and risk from natural hazards. Read More

GeoQ

GeoQ is a web-based tool that fuses together data about a disaster site, including maps, imagery, news videos, and even social media from citizens at the scene. Read More

Earth-i

Earth-i provides very high resolution satellite data and processing services to organizations and agencies managing disaster response in natural and urban environments; identifying, preparing and planning for potential threats and emergencies; and responding rapidly to events as they occur. Read More

The UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT)

The UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) provides high-quality geo-spatial information to UN decision makers, member states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. Read More

European Commission, Copernicus

Copernicus is the European Commission's Earth Observation Programme with vast amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based, airborne and seaborne measurement systems. Read More

MapX

A cloud solution for mapping and monitoring the sustainable use of natural resources. Read More

Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX)

The Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) is an open platform for sharing data across crises and organisations Read More

UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit (JEU) Missions in 2016 – Fact Sheet

Infographic presenting the response missions conducted by the JEU in 2016. Read More