Space Technology and Geographic Information Systems Applications in adb projects

Space Technology (ST) 
Application
Satellite-based flood damage assessment
ST Data 
Satellite imagery and radar data
ST Cost
Not available
ST Service Providers
Satellite image analysis and GIS process; Space and Upper Atmosphere Research 
Commission of Pakistan (SUPARCO), Satellite data; Japan Aerospace Exploration 
Agency (JAXA)
Users
Damage Needs Assessment team
GIS = geographic information systems.
Context 
Pakistan experienced extraordinary rainfall from mid-July to September 2010. According to the National 
Disaster Management Authority, the rains and floods have affected over 20 million people. In the wake 
of this extraordinary situation, the Government of Pakistan asked ADB and the World Bank to jointly 
lead the Damage Needs Assessment.
Contribution of Space Technology 
The assessment team utilized remote-sensing-based damage validation, particularly in the housing 
sector, and to a limited extent in the agriculture and transport sectors. The team commissioned SUPARCO 
of Pakistan to produce independent validation data on the damage caused by the inundation. GIS and 
satellite imagery freely provided by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) were used to map the 
extent of inundation and to estimate the detailed damage to housing, agriculture, and transportation 
facilities. 
Results
The field coordinator’s verification work for the reported damage was supported by the satellite-based 
inundation map. Damage estimates and reconstruction costs were subsequently updated and finalized.
DIS
A
STER 
MANA
GEMENT

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Space Technology and Geographic Information Systems Applications in Asian Development Bank Projects