The exploitation of sustainable monitoring strategies can have a high impact in degraded and remote areas, in terms of safety and security, and improve people’s social and economic benefits. Urban regions, including informal settlements, poorly monitored districts, and degraded areas, are vulnerable to environmental hazards, climate change, infrastructure deterioration, and public health risks. Furthermore, remote areas in low-income countries lack the technology for monitoring, which is key for preventing and mitigating natural and anthropogenic risks and for crisis management.
This session aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to address gaps in observation data. New observational strategies and sensing techniques will be discussed, which provide a more accurate and inclusive reflection of these underrepresented areas to bridge these gaps.
We welcome contributions on:
• Advanced Remote Sensing Technology: optical, SAR, LiDAR, thermal and hyperspectral methods, including use of UAVs and drones, for a synoptic observation of the territory;
• Remote Sensing Applications for Natural Hazards: monitoring strategies and organisational solutions for natural hazards (e.g. earthquakes, volcanic activities or landslides, droughts, etc);
• Integrated Sensing Networks: low-cost in-situ sensors (e.g., GNSS, meteorological, Tiltmeter, dynamic gravity) as complements to satellite observations;
• Data Science and AI: data fusion and machine learning approaches to enhance monitoring reliability, resolution and coverage;
• Immersive Technologies for Monitoring and Engagement: application of AR/VR/MR to visualise geospatial data, simulate hazard scenarios, and support participatory planning in underserved urban areas.
• Citizen Science: participatory sensing initiatives that improve observational data in underserved communities;
• Sociotechnical Applications: sustainable observational strategies for monitoring and protecting critical infrastructures (water, energy, transport), and promoting sustainable resource use and social inclusion;
• Geoscience for Social Good: applications for urban climate resilience, public health, pollution exposure, urban heat islands, green infrastructure, and disaster risk reduction, with a focus on big cities and remote areas.
Our goal is to facilitate integrating diverse sensing techniques into operational frameworks that promote resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development for marginalised populations.