GAP ANALYSIS OF LAND TOPOGRAPHY DATA DERIVED FROM SATELLITE IMAGERY FOR PROJECT GOOD EARTH

The implementation of the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)’s Project Good Earth requires a gap analysis of the current use of remote sensing instrumentation for humanitarian applications, such as natural disaster hazard identification and management, as well as disaster relief and recovery. A synthesized list of current and planned satellite-based remote sensing instruments capable of producing land topographic datasets has been developed. The list highlights the instruments’ applicability to humanitarian mass movement analysis and the individual assets and shortcomings of each instrument. Mass movements are colossally destructive, gravity driven, currents of geologic material, such as landslides, lahars, etc. Existing mass movement model accuracy is restricted by the availability and spatial resolution of digital elevation models (DEM). By testing the best available satellite-derived DEM in a realistic hazard assessment scenario and comparing the results against a 1 meter airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-derived DEM, the accuracy of the satellite data can be assessed against an ideal DEM for mapping a potential large-scale mass movement event. The utilization of land topography data for mass movement hazards identification, management, and response, is one part of the overall project which will aid CASIS proposal analysis boards in deciding which remote sensing innovations to support on the International Space Station in order to best serve humanity.