Refugee Camp Mapping Using Very High Spatial Resolution Satellite Sensor Images

Abstract

Short time‐intervals for complex response in unfamiliar areas cause refugee‐relief organisations to have a strong need for timely and up‐to‐date geographic information of the environment during humanitarian operations. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of relief organisations' need for detailed geographic information, and to assess the potential of the upcoming very high spatial resolution (VHSR) satellite sensors to provide this geographic information by mapping refugee camps and their environment on an operational basis. To demonstrate the use of VHSR satellite technology in relief operations, a pilot proof‐of‐concept study using a 1992 Russian KVR‐lOOO 2 m resolution panchromatic image of the six refugee camps in the Qala en Nahal settlement scheme in the Sudan was performed. The VHSR satellite sensor image was found to be useful for mapping refugee camp environmental parameters, such as land use, roads, rivers, and water sources, as well as camp infrastructure, including geographic positioning of camps, housing, and street network. The image also allowed for detailed camp area estimates. In addition, a statistically significant relationship between camp area and population was revealed for refugee camps included in this study. In operational use of VHSR satellite sensor data, relief agencies should be aware of the limitations of optical satellite images, in particular their reduced applicability during cloudy conditions.