On January 10, Jumpei Takami, Associate Expert in Remote Sensing for Disaster Management at UN-SPIDER (United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response), presented an informative lecture at the CEU. The event was part of the OSUN Network Collaborative Course "Earth Observations in Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals" and aimed to introduce participants to the basics of remote sensing and its practical applications in disaster management.
Takami's lecture highlighted key concepts of remote sensing, including the use of Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data. He explained the rapid growth of satellite technology, noting the evolution from the first satellite, Sputnik 1, launched in 1957, to a network of over 10,000 active satellites as of 2024.
The session covered a range of topics, including:
- The types of remote sensing platforms, from drones to satellites.
- The historical development and advancements in satellite imagery.
- Practical applications in global disaster management projects.
Case studies shared during the lecture included projects on landslide monitoring in Nepal, land subsidence analysis in Guatemala, and forest height estimation in Indonesia. Takami also discussed cutting-edge tools like Google Earth Engine and the integration of AI into remote sensing workflows.
The workshop equipped participants with foundational knowledge and demonstrated how remote sensing technologies are being used to address pressing global challenges. By combining technical insights with real-world examples, it served as an engaging introduction to this critical field.