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On January 21st, ICPEM proudly supported the inaugural Remote Sensing for Emergency and Disaster Management Symposium, hosted by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Disaster Risk Management Professional Practice Group. The event brought together leading experts from various sectors to explore the latest advancements in remote sensing technology and its applications in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
This blog provides a brief overview of the key presentations from the symposium, highlighting cutting-edge research and practical applications of remote sensing in emergency management.
Professor Richard Treeuw: Satellite Earth Observation and Disaster Risk Reduction
Professor Richard Treeuw, an ICPEM Fellow and Professor of Geoinformatics and Disaster Risk Reduction at the University of Portsmouth, opened the symposium with a presentation on Satellite Earth Observation and Disaster Risk Reduction. He showcased how satellite technology is revolutionizing disaster monitoring, with improvements in pixel resolution, thermal imaging, and radar overcoming challenges such as cloud cover.
Richard demonstrated how satellites are now capable of providing real-time damage assessments following disasters, with increasingly frequent revisit times enhancing emergency response capabilities. He emphasized how decision-making throughout the entire disaster cycle is being supported by integrating satellite imagery with drones, mobile phone footage, and machine learning, enabling rapid data processing and actionable insights.
James Armstrong: Ordnance Survey – Mapping for Emergencies
James Armstrong from Ordnance Survey (OS) highlighted how geospatial data supports emergency preparedness and response. He introduced the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA), which provides analytical data for emergency planning, and discussed Mapping for Emergencies (MFE), OS’s 24/7 GIS support service for crises.
James provided compelling examples of how MFE has been deployed in incidents such as the Salisbury poisoning, large-scale flooding, and major water outages. His presentation underscored the critical role of geospatial data in emergency coordination and decision-making.
Alessandro Novellino: British Geological Survey – Disaster Response and Scientific Advisory Services
Alessandro Novellino from the British Geological Survey (BGS) discussed the organization’s role in providing scientific advice to decision-makers during emergencies at both national and international levels. His presentation focused on geological hazards, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis.
BGS has worked extensively with agencies such as the UK Cabinet Office and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivering risk assessments and scenario planning for post-earthquake responses, volcanic activity monitoring, and landslide forecasting. This work plays a crucial role in disaster risk mitigation and response planning.
Dave Morris: UK Coastguard – Remote Sensing and GIS in Maritime Operations
Dave Morris explored the use of remote sensing technology by the UK Coastguard, emphasizing the unique challenges of managing vast maritime areas for Search and Rescue (SAR), pollution response, and vessel traffic management.
His presentation showcased how geospatial intelligence is critical for operational decision-making, particularly in dynamic maritime environments. Advances in airborne sensors and satellite technology are now being integrated into Coastguard operations, with ongoing R&D initiatives focused on optimizing the use of remote sensing for maritime emergency management.
Paul Sowden and Dewi Spijkerman: ICEYE – Satellite Radar Imagery for Disaster Response and Insurance Applications
Paul Sowden and Dewi Spijkerman from ICEYE, a company specializing in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, provided insights into how SAR technology enhances disaster response and recovery.
SAR satellites have the unique ability to penetrate smoke, darkness, and volcanic ash, making them invaluable for post-disaster damage assessments. Their presentation highlighted how SAR technology is being used to develop pre-determined damage assessment thresholds, allowing emergency responders and insurers to prioritize recovery efforts with greater efficiency.
Additional Insights from Remote Sensing Organizations
Following the main presentations, several organizations provided insights into their work and how they integrate remote sensing into disaster management. Speakers from the Association for Geographical Information (AGI), Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc), Royal Geographical Society Disaster Risk Management Professional Practice Group, MapAction, and OpenStreetMap Humanitarian Team (HOT) showcased how geospatial data supports preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in real-world disasters.
Conclusion: A Transformative Future for Remote Sensing in Disaster Management
The symposium highlighted the vast scope of remote sensing technologies in improving disaster response capabilities. From satellite imaging and GIS mapping to AI-driven data analysis and maritime surveillance, the event demonstrated how these tools are transforming emergency management at local, national, and global levels.
ICPEM was honoured to sponsor this event, but we see this not as the end, but as the beginning of an ongoing effort to harness remote sensing technologies for civil protection and emergency management. The insights gained from this symposium will undoubtedly drive innovation, collaboration, and future advancements in the field, ensuring that emergency responders are better equipped to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
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