Sharing space-based information: Procedural guidelines for disaster emergency response in ASEAN countries

This handbook provides procedural guidelines for sharing space-based information during emergency response. While satellite-derived and geospatial information is often used for increasing situational awareness in the aftermath of disasters, many disaster managers are unfamiliar with the systematic approach necessary for properly utilising such innovative applications.

There is a lack of standard processes and procedures across agencies, making it difficult to coordinate national activities as well as regional cooperation and support during emergencies. Free satellite-data for emergency response is increasingly becoming available and accessible, but end-users are often unaware of such global and regional initiatives. Furthermore, the procedures for requesting space-based information from the growing number of data providers can vary, with no consolidated set of instructions, as there are multiple platforms for sharing information at national, regional and international levels, which can often create confusion.