Abstract: | Satellite remote sensing has emerged as a tool which is highly appropriate to the development process. Its applications already are numerous, ranging from the monitoring of catastrophic or geophysical phenomena at the global scale to the delineation of local mineral resources. The author reviews the conditions under which these applications are taking place and outlines the major issues and problems which will have to be resolved if the maximum benefit is to be derived from satellite remote sensing. He also examines the current and future role of an international infrastructure within which the debate on management may be continued and the specific applications be made more effective. |