Remote Sensing and Environmental Economics
- Paper number
IAC-07-B1.5.03
- Author
Mr. Giuseppe Ottavianelli, University of Cranfield, United Kingdom
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The paper initially provides introductory concepts of Environmental Economics such as how to value the environment, sustainable development issues and natural resources economics. It then reviews and systematically discusses the great diversity of observation methodologies and parameters monitored for different applications. It selects two case studies, one linked to long term natural resources monitoring and one linked to short term crisis, allowing the analysis to appreciate the requirements and constraints related to satellite systems, operational procedures, data management and user needs. Such examination is then used to critically assess the specific use of remote sensing in support of the economic valuation of the environment. The findings highlight that Earth Observation products are often not harmonised and standardised especially with regards to environmental economics indicators. Users often require a higher level of end-product reliability in particular when subsequent actions involve the protection of human lives or financial decisions such as the one related to climate change which are currently of dramatic importance worldwide.
- Abstract document