APPLICATION AREA GEOGRAPHIC ZONE (EXAMPLE) CLIMATIC ZONE
Urban area Lagos (Nigeria), Tropical regions
Libreville (Gabon)
ECONOMIC VALUE
The population increase in the third world accompanied by
strong rural desertification has led to an entirely uncontrolled
growth of the main urban agglomerations in several African towns
(i.e.: Libreville/Gabon, more than 1 million inhabitants). The
monitoring of this fast urban growth is an important economic
factor for the countries in order to provide the necessary
services to the population.
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE
Impacts of urban growth on the environment can be identified
in the areas of air and water quality.
POLITICAL VALUE
Eurostat is currently undertaking a number of pilot projects
in order to establish a methodology for monitoring European
cities on an operational basis. The aim of this information
gathering is to predict potential regional developments (fast
growth or rural desertification) in order to implement the
necessary actions. The monitoring of changes in urban
agglomerations not only in Europe but also in the potential
investment country is of major importance both for the receiver
and the donor of funds (i.e. transportation network).
TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
The technical feasibility of monitoring urban areas with ERS-
SAR data has not yet been established. First attempts have been
made for Seville, Tunisia and Barcelona, with very different
results.
RELIABLE PROCESSING METHODS
No reliable processing methods have yet been developed. The
filtering of radar data, seen as essential for urban detection,
should in particular investigated.
REMARKS
The use of the complementarity of optical and radar data
seems to be important for urban management.
SP-1199