Impact of the ARSET Program on Use of Remote-Sensing Data

Ana I Prados,David G Barbato,Annelise Carleton-Hug,Amita Mehta,Elizabeth Hook,Tom Kinsey,Brock Blevins,Cynthia Schmidt,Amber Jean Mccullum,Erika Podest,Melanie Follette-Cook,Pawan Gupta,Selwyn Hudson-Odoi

doi:10.3390/ijgi8060261

Abstract

We show that training activities conducted through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Applied Remote-Sensing Training (ARSET) program led to a significant increase in remote-sensing data use for decision-making. Our findings are based on survey data collected from 1041 ARSET participants from 117 countries who attended ARSET trainings between 2013 and 2016. To assess the impact of the ARSET program, we analyzed changes in three metrics. Results show that 83% of all respondents increased their knowledge of remote-sensing data products at least moderately, 79% increased their ability to access data, and 73% increased their ability to make decisions. We also examined how respondents are using remote-sensing data across 40 specific work tasks ranging from research to decision support applications. More than 50% of respondents reported an increase in data use for all except two of the tasks. ARSET will use these findings, together with participant data on future training needs, to set future directions for the program.

Highlights

Satellite-based information is currently underutilized for decision-making [1]
For each of the three metrics, we grouped responses according to the six training topics offered by Applied Remote-Sensing Training (ARSET), four participant sectors, and participants’ previous knowledge of remote sensing
Lack of access to training tailored to professionals and decision-makers has made it challenging for this community to adopt remote sensing in the workplace

Summary

Introduction

Satellite-based information is currently underutilized for decision-making [1]. Some space agencies provide freely available satellite data, barriers remain to its utilization [2], and the transition from the research to the operational and/or decision-making environment remains a challenge. An increasing number of organizations use satellite data for research purposes and publish in the peer-reviewed literature, research results are not routinely adopted into core decision-making functions within those organizations. Decision-makers refer to professionals working in organizations engaged in such activities. These organizations span multiple sectors (e.g., government, private) and a vast array of disciplines (e.g., agriculture, air pollution, ecology, emergency management, energy, water quality)

Methods

Results

Conclusion