How Europe Could Best Use Remote Sensing Programmes

Abstract

A very long-term view is taken assuming a certain stage of maturity of remote sensing twenty or thirty years from now. On this basis models can be developed for the application of remote sensing in the situation existing around the year 2020. These models should form the starting point for planning the road to be followed from the mid-1990s or earlier, if realistically feasible, in order to achieve full social acceptance of remote sensing. Developments during the late 1980s and the first half of the 1990s are already fixed by decisions and action taken earlier. Considerations of the technology market indicate for Europe the need to devote more attention to educating the people and defining the role of remote sensing in the society of the future with emphasis on management of the environment. In preparing for the mid-21st century, Europe should shift the main attention and efforts from the current research and development of space segments and payloads to application models. An innovative system does not mean that users will use it in an innovative way. Europe should perform a double function, that of leadership and of providing services to the outside world.