Satellite technologies have the potential to fill significant data and information gaps, and could be invaluable for anticipating and responding to humanitarian emergencies. The project provides a consolidated view on the use of satellite applications in humanitarian settings, raising awareness of gaps in the use of satellites and barriers to the uptake of satellite applications; and exploring opportunities to expand access to and adoption of satellite technology in humanitarian responses.
Satellites have the potential to inform and enhance humanitarian decision making by providing a unique data source about people and their environment. However, there is limited guidance on and understanding of where satellite technology can be used most cost-effectively and with the best outcomes for people affected by crises.
By addressing barriers to uptake and improving our understanding of how to use satellite technology most cost-effectively, public and private stakeholders have an opportunity to increase the use and impact of satellite applications in humanitarian crises.
Related reports and resources to this investment:
Beyond Borders: Satellite Applications for Humanitarian EmergenciesThe report provides a consolidated view on the current use of satellite applications in humanitarian settings, including the identification of key barriers to the adoption of satellite applications and potential interventions from the development community to overcome them. |
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Guilia Costella, David Hodgson, Nicki McGoh, Rhiannan Price, David Taverner; Fellows: Stella Chelangat Mutai, David Garcia, Dr Catherine Lilian Nakalembe
UK
Satellite technology for humanitarian decision making
David Garcia is a geographer and urban planner with experience working in cities and communities in the Philippines affected by natural disasters and conflict.
Currently based in New Zealand, David is working on a Geographic Information Science PhD, focusing on an ethnography of crowdsourcing and mapping by working on OpenStreetMap in the Pacific region.
Satellite technology for humanitarian decision making
Stella is a geospatial specialist with expertise in using satellite applications for climate change, humanitarian emergencies, food security, and disaster risk management.
She has an MSc in geoinformation science and earth observation from the University of Twente, Netherlands, and works as a GIS consultant for the UN World Food Programme.
As a UKHIH fellow, working on the Beyond Borders report, Stella identified and mapped key stakeholders in humanitarian satellite applications in Eastern Africa, highlighting achievements and gaps in the use of satellites in humanitarian decision making and policymaking in the region, and suggesting possible uses for satellite applications.
