Remote Sensing

Software improves forests management

New software developed by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Spain can generate maps of forest areas with information on timber volume, biomass or height of the trees, among other variables. The development of this software by the Group of Geoenvironmental Cartography and Remote Sensing is part of the INFOREST project coordinated by COTESA (Center for Observation and Spatial Remote Sensing S.A.U) and funded by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
www.sciencedaily.com

Iran receives fi rst images from Rasad

Iran received the first images and data sent by its indigenous earth-observation satellite, ‘Rasad’. It was launched on June 15, 2011. Rasad weighs 15.3 kgs and was designed to be launched into the 260 kms orbit of the earth. It rotates around the earth 15 times in 24 hours.

www.iranwpd.com

Mapping rainforest biodiversity

A new airplane-based remote-sensing and analysis system will enable scientists to catalog tree species as they create 3-D maps of tropical forests. The newest version of the Carnegie Airborne Observatory (CAO) will offer powerful insights into the composition and biology of tropical forests. CAO combines optical, chemical and laser sensors aboard aircraft to create highresolution, 3-D maps of vegetation structure.
www.news.mongabay.com

Satellite images to combat avian flu

It is not only domestic poultry but also wild waterbirds that play a significant role in the spread of the avian influenza variant H5N1. With the aid of satellite data, it is possible to create risk maps for the spread of the virus by wild waterbirds. This has been shown in research by Yali Si of The ITC, University of Twente. This research has revealed a strong correlation between the outbreak of the virus and the migration patterns of migratory waterbirds, over short as well as long distances.

Bahrain uses GeoEye imageries

The Directorate of GIS, Central Informatics Organisation (CIO), Kingdom of Bahrain carried out satellite imagerybased agricultural survey for the first time using imageries from GeoEye. The survey determined 61216.250 acres of green areas in the Kingdom and 10922.365 acres of agricultural crops area.
www.bsdi.gov.bh

Belarus, Russia and Ukraine work on virtual RS satellite constellation

Belarus, Russia and Ukraine are looking into an opportunity to develop and mutually use a virtual remote sensing satellite constellation. The use of a virtual remote sensing satellite constellation involves the use of their information resources. Any exchanges of information can be either free of charge or provided on a paid basis.

www.news.belta.by