Satellite Earth Observation Assets and Solutions: Supporting Operations in Asia and the Pacific

Table of Contents

• Contents 5
• Figures, Maps, and Boxes 7
• Foreword 8
• Acknowledgments 10
• Abbreviations 11
• Weights and Measures 11
• Executive Summary 12
• Remote Sensing and Earth Observation Satellites 12
• The Role of Satellite Earth Solutions in Development and Its Relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals 14
• Benefits of Using Satellite Earth Observation 16
• Barriers to Using Satellite Earth Observation 16
• Further Opportunities for Using Satellite Earth Observation in Development 17
• Conclusions and Main Recommendations for Expanding Satellite Earth Observation in Development 17
• I. Introduction 19
• II. Remote Sensing and Earth Observation Satellites 20
• A. Remote Sensing 20
• B. Earth Observation Satellites 21
• III. Environmental Challenges in the Asia and Pacific Region 25
• A. Frequency and Types of Frequency and Types of Disaster Triggered by Natural Hazard 25
• B. Economic Impact of Disaster Triggered by Natural Hazard 28
• C. Effects of Climate Change 29
• IV. The Role of Satellite Earth Observation in Development and Its Relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals 31
• A. Earth Observation for Development 31
• B. Earth Observation for the Sustainable Development Goals 35
• V. Example Use Cases of Satellite Earth Observation in ADB Development Operations 39
• A. Use Case 1: Basic Land Surface Type (Cover) Mapping and Monitoring 39
• B. Use Case 2: Disaster Risk Management and Risk Reduction 41
• C. Use Case 3: Climate Change Resilience 43
• D. Use Case 4: Coastal Zone Management 46
• E. Use Case 5: Forest Monitoring and Management 47
• F. Use Case 6: Green House Gases Mapping and Monitoring 48
• VI. Evaluating the Solutions 51
• A. Benefits of Using Satellite Earth Observation in Development 52
• B. Barriers for Using Satellite Earth Observation in Development 54
• C. Further Opportunities for Using Satellite Earth Observation in ADB Development 56
• VII. Recommendations to Expand the Uptake of Satellite Earth Observations ni ADB Development Operations 58
• A. Overall Longer-Term (2025–2030) Recommendations 58
• B. Specific Shorter-Term (2025–2026) Recommendations 59
• VIII. Conclusions 60
• Appendix 62
• Earth Observation Satellite Instrument Measurement Modes 62
• Future Trends in the Earth Observation Satellite Sector 64