ITUR and Remote Sensing

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International Telecommunication Union
Radiocommunication Sector and Remote Sensing
Valery TIMOFEEVDirector of the
Radiocommunication Bureau
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Radio and Sensors

• 1.182 active sensor A measuring instrument in
  the earth exploration-satellite service or in the
  space research service by means of which
  information is obtained by transmission and
  reception of radio waves.
• 1.183 passive sensor A measuring instrument in
  the earth exploration-satellite service or in the
  space research service by means of which
  information is obtained by reception of radio
  waves of natural origin.
• Article 1 of the Radio Regulations

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Remote Sensing in Disaster Management

• Remote sensors are the only tools that provide
  environmental data on a long term, repetitive and
  global scale.
• Radiocommunication systems based on remote
  sensing play the major role in weather and
  climate prediction.
• Remote sensing is the essential tool for disaster
  prediction, detection, disaster mitigation and
  planning of relief operations.
• Sensors are used for detection and tracking of
  earthquakes, tsunamis hurricanes, typhoons,
  floods, fires, oil leaks, dangerous pollution,
  etc.

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Radiocommunication Services and Remote Sensing

• Remote sensors are the basis of meteorological
  and Earth exploration-satellite services.
• Operated in the main by government and
  international agencies. Data collected by active
  and passive sensors are distributed worldwide and
  used to benefit humanity as a whole.
• Play a major role in prediction and detection of
  disasters (such as hurricanes, earthquakes and
  tsunamis, floods, fires, dangerous pollution,
  etc.).
• Remote sensing data are frequently disseminated
  through other radiocommunication systems
  belonging to the fixed-satellite service as well
  as other services.

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Global Observing System (GOS)
Based on the use of sensors and dissemination of
information by radio/telecommunication systems
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World Radiocommunication Conferences and Remote
Sensing (1)

• Remote sensing requires several specific
  frequency ranges depending on the physical
  phenomena to be observed. WRCs regularly consider
  remote sensing requirements for allocation of
  additional frequency bands, sharing with other
  services, protection from interference, etc.
• E.g. WRC-07 considered (with positive results) 4
  main issues directly related to remote sensing
• extension of band for active sensors
• extension of band for meteorological-satellite
  service
• sharing between Earth exploration-satellite
  service (EESS) (passive) and active services
• protection of EESS (passive) from unwanted
  emission from actives services.

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World Radiocommunication Conferences and Remote
Sensing (2)

• WRC-07 also approved 5 Resolution and 4 Agenda
  items for the next WRC (WRC-11) on the use and
  further development of remote sensing systems
• These Resolutions are related to
• use of optical links for remote sensing
• development of systems for lightning detection
• use of high-frequency oceanographic radars for
  measurement of coastal sea surface conditions
• further development of the meteorological-satellit
  e systems operating near 8 GHz
• use of radiocommunications for Earth observation.

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Radiocommuncation Assembly 2007 (RA-07)

• RA-07 approved Resolution ITU-R 55 ITU-R studies
  of disaster prediction, detection, mitigation and
  relief.
• Res. ITU-R 55 identifies areas that ITU-R Study
  Groups could address in their studies/activities
  and develop guidelines related to the management
  of radiocommunication systems in disaster
  prediction, detection, mitigation and relief
• This is to be done collaboratively within
  outside ITU to avoid duplication

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Studies by Radiocommunication Study Groups on
Remote Sensing

• Radiocommunication Study Group 7 Science
  services is responsible for studies related to
  development and operation of Earth exploration
  and meteorological systems, which are based on
  remote sensing (active and passive) operating on
  both ground-based and space-based platforms.
• Other ITU-R Study Groups also develop ITU-R
  Recommendations, Reports and Handbooks related to
  sharing and protection of remote sensing from
  harmful interference by other radiocommunication
  services.

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A Sample of a Remote Sensing Application -
Altimeter
Mainly used for ocean and ice studies. Identifies
a change of the sea level with precision of 2 to
3 cm
See also ITU-R Web page at http//www.itu.int/ITU
-R/index.asp?categoryinformationlinkemergencyl
angen