Development of processing chains for rapid mapping with satellite data

Abstract

In case of a disaster on a large scale the International Charter of Space and Major Disasters provides satellite data from different sensors. Since the year 2000 more than 140 Charter Calls have proven the great value of this
fast disaster response instrument but have also shown different handling problems causing time delay and downgrading the value of rapid mapping products. This paper proposes a framework for a rapid mapping processing
chain based on the experiences gathered during the 2005 flood crisis in Switzerland. It focuses on the pre-processing of satellite data, the valueadding step and the visualization of the results. Critical elements are
hereby the availability of essential datasets, the processing time, the information extraction and the usability of the products for the end-users. International
programs containing rapid mapping elements as PREVIEW or
GMES RESPOND and RISK-EOS need further research on the abovementioned topics to improve the usability and significance of their products and to improve the benefit of satellite data for disaster management support.