An effective use of space-based information in all phases of the disaster management cycle requires access to data and tools as well as technical capacity and knowledge of relevant methods. When data and data products are accessible and the capacity to use or create resources is built, countries as well as national or international organizations can develop space-based information products tailored to their specific needs and conditions.
In this section, we provide entry points to a wide range of resources related to the use of space-based information for disaster risk management and emergency response. Each database referred to below allows filtering resources according to parameters such as hazard type and satellites or sensors used to obtain the data.
Institutions
UN-SPIDER is mandated to act as a bridge between the space and disaster management communities. To facilitate the discovery of relevant institutions, the UN-SPIDER programme compiles information on relevant disaster risk management institutions, space agencies and international institutions. The organizations are presented briefly and links are provided to access their respective websites. On top of that, UN-SPIDER has a network of Regional Support Offices (RSOs), which are national centres of expertise, covering the realms of outreach and capacity development, as well as horizontal cooperation and technical advisory support.
Data Application of the Month
UN-SPIDER regularly publishes information about how specific data can support disaster risk reduction and emergency response related to various hazards. These data application of the month pages also include links to access the related data and products as well as information about tools that might be useful to process the information.
Data Sources
Access to Earth observation data is essential for leveraging the benefits of space-based information in disaster risk reduction and emergency response. For this reason, UN-SPIDER regularly adds links to a large variety of satellite imagery sources, elevation models, land use and land cover maps, as well as near real-time data products for different hazard types. Users can search the database by data type, hazard type, and disaster management cycle phase, as well as other relevant factors including costs, temporal or spatial coverage, sensor or file types. The results of each search are connected to UN-SPIDER's database of GIS and remote sensing software, suggesting links to suitable software tools for each data type.
GIS and Remote Sensing Software
To process space-based data, users require adequate software that allows them to generate relevant geospatial information products. UN-SPIDER hosts links and descriptions of GIS and remote sensing software including both free and commercial applications, covering desktop-based as well as web-based GIS applications and cloud computing. Users can search this database by different criteria, such as software type, data format, scope or file types. In order to use or download the software, links to the specific provider are shown. The different software profiles also point to existing online tutorials to support users in developing their technical skills in using these applications.
External Online Training Opportunities
In addition to linking to external in-person training opportunities, UN-SPIDER also compiles a list of available online training courses such as MOOCs and webinars. These can be filtered according to the hazard type and software the training includes. Online training opportunities range from hands-on tutorials that explain how to develop a particular information product to series of videos that provide background information about using satellite data in disaster management. These courses are instructor-led live online courses, which take place at scheduled times and may require participation in live sessions.
Online Learning Resources
Similar to the External Online Training Opportunities, UN-SPIDER compiles a list of available online learning resources. These include self-paced and on-demand online courses, such as MOOCs and webinars. The courses are usually self-paced and can be taken at the user's desired time. Some of these courses may be former instructor-led live courses, which are made available after the respective course was completed.
