Bridging the gap: remote sensing and needs assessment—a field experience with displaced populations

Abstract

Displaced populations present difficult challenges for humanitarian assistance organizations. Not least are the tasks of locating, denominating and assessing the needs of the displaced when they flee danger and ground access is difficult. Remote sensing can help accomplish these tasks, but is infrequently used in humanitarian assistance operations. The paper uses a displaced-population needs assessment in Liberia to identify key points on how remote sensing can contribute to the assessment process. The points include the need for good operational and strategic planning, the use of appropriate data collection methods (particularly video cameras) and the need to involve a broad group of knowledgeable people in data analysis (which is greatly facilitated by the use of video). The paper is of particular interest to two groups: humanitarian assistance personnel, as an example of a successful use of remote sensing; and remote sensing specialists and commercial service providers, as an example of low technology, low cost, low complexity, rapid aerial data collection.