Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) for developing countries

This paper discusses the need for geospatial information technologies in developing countries to support sustainable development. One of the major issues facing many developing countries is the need for better utilization and protection of their natural resources. In the world's industrialized nations remote sensing and GIS technologies are used in many applications that include, but not limited to, natural resources management and protection, environmental monitoring, agriculture, geology, hydrology and water resource management, disaster management, urban planning, monitoring spread of infectious diseases, and marine studies. These nations have made heavy investment in building and deploying space assets to monitor earth resources. However, very little has been done to promote the leveraging of this investment in technology by developing countries. There are far reaching benefits to these emerging economies through the exploitation of this technology. Not only could they be forewarned about natural disasters to minimize loss of life and property, but, they could use it to enhance their country's critical food supply and water resources and even develop an effective natural resource exploitation (e.g. oil and gas) capability. These capabilities will allow developing countries to become more self-reliant and less dependent on other countries and international aid agencies. Remote sensing and GIS technologies can be transferred to developing countries for implementation of large-scale and national GIS systems.