A recent study by Shah, et al., (2023) titled “A Systematic Review Investigating the Use of Earth Observation for the Assistance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Disaster Response and Recovery” published in Sustainability, by MDPI journals, shows that earth observation technology can be used for monitoring surface water quality, groundwater sensing, and mapping and monitoring of hazards and infrastructure.
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Earth observation technology enhances disaster response by monitoring water quality, groundwater, and infrastructure, yet global integration and research gaps persist.– Shahet al., 2023
The article delves into the transformative role of Earth observation technology, including satellites, drones, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in bolstering water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services during disaster response and recovery efforts. Through a meticulous analysis of existing literature, the article elucidates how Earth observation tools have been employed to monitor surface water quality, gauge groundwater conditions, and effectively map and track hazards and infrastructure pertinent to WASH services. Moreover, the study navigates through the multifaceted landscape of employing Earth observation techniques in WASH contexts during crises, shedding light on their myriad benefits, inherent limitations, and encountered challenges. It underscores the potential of these technologies to offer timely and precise data crucial for informed decision-making and resource allocation during disaster responses. However, it also underscores the complexities and constraints inherent in integrating Earth observation tools into dynamic disaster scenarios, including issues related to data accessibility, interpretation, and interoperability. Crucially, the article identifies gaps in current research and practice, pinpointing avenues for future exploration and innovation in this nascent field. By offering a panoramic view of the current state of knowledge and practice, the article serves as a foundational resource for stakeholders involved in disaster management, WASH provision, and technological innovation. It underscores the imperative of continual refinement and adaptation of Earth observation methodologies to address evolving challenges and maximize their utility in safeguarding WASH services amidst crises.
How the Study was Conducted
A systematic literature review was employed to identify relevant scientific papers and grey literature that used Earth observation technology for water or sanitation-related use, or in a disaster context. The literature was scanned against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, which were based on the publication date, language, focus, and relevance of the paper. The literature that met the inclusion criteria was analyzed and reviewed to assess the potential for Earth observation technology to assist with WASH in the response and recovery phases of disasters. The authors’ categorized literature into three common uses of Earth observation technology: monitoring of surface water quality, groundwater sensing, and mapping and monitoring of hazards and infrastructure. The methods and outcomes of the literature were discussed and evaluated for their applicability and limitations in the context of WASH and disasters.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that earth observation technology can be used for monitoring surface water quality, groundwater sensing, and mapping and monitoring of hazards and infrastructure. The study posits that satellites are the most widely used and studied Earth observation tool, followed by UAVs/drones and GIS. However, there is a lack of integration and coordination among these technologies and other data sources. In addition, the authors found that there is an unequal distribution of studies across different continents, with most studies focusing on North America, Europe and Asia, and few studies on Africa, South America and Oceania, where disaster risk and WASH vulnerability are higher.
Why is this Important
Earth observation technology can be used for monitoring surface water quality, groundwater sensing, and mapping and monitoring of hazards and infrastructure. Satellites are the most widely used and studied Earth observation tool, followed by UAVs or drones, and GIS. However, there is a lack of integration and coordination among these technologies and other data sources. There is a gap in the literature on the use of Earth observation for sanitation services, which are equally important as water services for WASH provision and disaster resilience. There is an unequal distribution of studies across different continents, with most studies focusing on North America, Europe, and Asia, and few studies on Africa, South America, and Oceania, where disaster risk and WASH vulnerability are higher. There is a need for more experimental and large-scale studies to test the performance and capabilities of Earth observation technology in different disaster scenarios and WASH contexts.
In conclusion, the study highlights the pivotal role of Earth observation technology in bolstering water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services during disaster response and recovery efforts. Through meticulous analysis, it underscores the transformative potential of satellites, drones, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in monitoring surface water quality, groundwater conditions, and mapping hazards and infrastructure critical to WASH provision. While acknowledging the inherent complexities and challenges, the study emphasizes the imperative of continual refinement and adaptation of Earth observation methodologies to address evolving crises. By identifying research gaps and advocating for global inclusivity in studies, it paves the way for future exploration and innovation in this vital field, ultimately safeguarding WASH services amidst disasters worldwide.
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