GIS and remote sensing have been proved to be extremely powerful tools in facing major environmental problems. They have the great advantage of providing large amount of data for extended areas, with minimum cost and regular revisit capability. Furthermore, such tools offer the opportunity to gain fresh insights into biophysical systems through the spatial, temporal, spectral and radiometric resolutions of remote sensing systems and through the analytical and data integration capability of GIS. When it comes to impact of hazards on natural and cultural environment, it could be noticed that the number of these events has significantly increased in the past decades. The main causes for this increase can be attributed to a higher frequency of extreme events, most probably related to global changes in climate. For example, developing countries suffer more than 95 per cent of all deaths caused by natural disasters. To reduce disaster losses, more efforts should be applied towards disaster-risk management, with a focus on hazard assessment, elements-at-risk mapping, and vulnerability and risk assessment, all of which strongly rely on the availability of relevant geospatial information. The main goal of this session is to examine the advancements in design, development, experimentation and validation of new techniques in the fields of remote sensing (active and passive remote sensing, Lidar, UAVs, thermal etc.) and GIS for the analysis, monitoring, mapping and modeling of climate hazards’ impact on natural and cultural environment. This session intent to give the floor to novel studies in the use of Earth Observation (EO) data in mitigating climate changes affect both in natural and cultural environment. In particular new approaches of remote sensing / GIS in the fields of detection, monitoring and modeling of natural disasters phenomena (floods, earthquakes, landslides, erosion, fires, and volcanic eruption), water resources management, archaeology, cultural and heritage management and agriculture towards extreme conditions will be thoroughly discussed.
The session aims to serve a diverse community of research scientists, practitioners, end users and decision makers. Early stage researchers are strongly encouraged to present their research