Tags: SANSA, Earth Observation, South Africa, Emergency Response
Publication: EngineeringNews.co.za
Publication Date: 10/26/2012

Satellite imagery played an important role for emergency response during 2010 seasonal fires in South Africa. Image credit: NASA

Experts remarked the importance of satellite Earth observation for South Africa at the South Africa-Japan space sciences colloquium earlier this month. Among the most important applications for the country are monitoring natural disasters, illegal activities in its economic zone, and study of environmental resources, according to South African scientists.

The social benefits were particularly relevant for Dr. Jane Olwoch, from the South African National Space Agency. At the colloquium, she called to a partnership between the Department of Education and the agency to make Earth observation accessible to students. According to Olwoch, available data is not being widely used in the social spectrum.

Dr Waldo Kleynhans, senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria, explained the important role Earth observation plays in monitoring South Africa’s Exclusive Economic Zone to reduce illegal fishing and piracy, and to perform rescues at sea, in contrast to terrestrial radars.

More than ever before, South Africa is processing data from Earth observation and even still its scientists want to do more for social benefits.

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