INTERGEO TV, your go-to source for insights into geoinformation, geodesy and land management, has launched a new expert interview. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Anne Schneibel, a renowned expert in remote sensing and humanitarian aid, about the crucial role of satellite and geospatial data in the management of humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
The role of the German Remote Sensing Data Center in disaster relief
Dr. Anne Schneibel, a research associate at the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), specializes in the use of remote sensing to support humanitarian aid. In her role, she coordinates research projects that use satellite and geodata to respond to disasters and pass on important information to users.
At the beginning of June, southern Germany was hit by severe flooding. Dr. Schneibel describes the intensive work that was required in the first days of the disaster as her team provided important crisis information to the authorities and aid organizations.
“Immediately after a disaster, we go into a functional mode. We drop everything and focus exclusively on the crisis. This is a tense but crucial phase for effective disaster relief.” - Dr. Anne Schneibe
Important lessons from the recent floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg
With regard to the recent floods in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, Dr. Schneibel explains how important timely information is. Her team at the Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) provides vital data to humanitarian organizations and authorities, often just hours after a disaster strikes.
Dr. Schneibel emphasizes the need for flexibility in her approach. Every crisis is unique and requires different data sources and methods. During the floods, for example, aerial imagery was used in addition to satellite data to provide accurate and timely information.
The future of geospatial data in managing disasters caused by climate change
As climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, the geospatial community is improving its capabilities. Dr. Schneibel points to the rapid development of satellite technology and data analysis methods, such as artificial intelligence and big data processing. These advances enable a more precise and timely response to disasters, which ultimately helps to save lives.
“Thanks to the rapid development of satellites and artificial intelligence, we can now assess the impact of disasters more accurately and quickly. This technology is crucial for effective humanitarian aid.” - Dr. Anne Schneibel
The international geocommunity, which also includes the participants of INTERGEO, continues to position itself at the forefront of using geospatial data to tackle these challenges. By transforming complex data into actionable information, experts like Dr. Schneibel ensure that aid organizations can make informed decisions during crisis situations.
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