Communicating Earth Observation Strategies – Approaches and Examples around the World

Paper number

IAC-07-E5.2.07

Author

Dr. Nicola Rohner, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), Austria

Coauthor

Mrs. Simonetta Cheli, European Space Agency/ESRIN, Italy

Year

2007

Abstract

In order to fulfil the full potential of Earth Observation for sustainable management and development, appropriate funding and support has to be given to the respective Earth Observation satellite programmes and strategies. Funding and support will, however, only come, if Earth Observation is receiving the necessary attention and understanding in the political as well as the general public.

This paper explores, what is needed to shape communication strategies for Earth Observation in order to achieve the goal of reaching sufficient funding leading to projects implementing the perspectives such satellites provide to society.

In its first part, the paper takes a look at the particular appropriateness of satellite Earth observation to be communicated. Due to its unchallenged utility it is in an excellent position to be strategically promoted.

The second part describes current activities of space agencies and governments in communicating Earth observation to politicians, to the general public as well as to users as a marketing endeavour. The status will be given for Europe with its GMES (respectively the new name) initiative and in some examples for the United States, Japan and India. In such a way, an approach for a global view is provided with regard to different content, aims and style. 

The third part will single out the main basic communication elements, which are valid globally in successfully promoting Earth observation, thus doing the groundwork of achieving support in politics and society as well as approaching a better use of its economical potential.

Abstract document

IAC-07-E5.2.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-E5.2.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.