| Remote Sensing Center (CRSI)
to Bridge Communication Gap by Robert Shelton
The University of California is requesting $2 million to establish a statewide center that would provide access for research and educational purposes to the significant amounts of data being collected on California's environment through remote sensing technology. The 1999 increment would be the first, to be followed by additional requests as the program evolves. The sources of remote sensing research information are vast and diverse and so are the related federally funded research efforts within UC. Satellites provide the most complete view of our planet and are an essential tool in weather prediction, climate forecasting, geology, ecology, ocean productivity, agriculture, hydrology, urban planning, disaster control, and global peacekeeping efforts. In addition to satellites, however, some of the most important and technologically advanced tools are active ground-based sensors that make very precise measurements of earth movement and energy flow. The data collected via remote sensing techniques has important ramifications for understanding and predicting regional consequences of such climate variations as El Nino, or to geological changes such as earthquakes. All are of critical concern to California, but too often there is a gap between academic research and practical applications. The California Remote Sensing Initiative will bring academic researchers together with government agency representatives to bridge the communication gap between the two sectors. Together they will enable the transition of the use of remote sensing from a research tool for the benefit of the State in managing its natural resources, This transition will involve reviewing existing research results, developing new analyses from existing data sources, and suggesting possible foci for future federally-funded research projects. Led by the University of California, CRSI will integrate the activities of research institutes throughout the state, taking advantage of divers sites and expertise throughout the UC system and over the entire state to focus on scientific, social, and engineering issues affecting the state. CRSI will cover a broad spectrum by focusing on one issue, or a related series of issues at a time. For example, the first issue area might be understanding and predicting regional consequences of large scale climate variability on water resource management, air pollution, and the agricultural industry. Subsequent research agendas would be set by an executive steering committee comprised of UC leaders and representatives from state agencies. The program will achieve its goal by:
This initiative will draw on the capabilities of UC, including existing programs such as the super computer center at UC San Diego, the national laboratories' facilities, and numerous campus-based projects with substantial extramural funding. Scholars in public policy, agriculture, and social sciences would play an important role as well as those in engineering and physical and biological science disciplines. Benefits to the state and the university include:
CRSI also is an asset for faculty when competing for funding from federal programs, state programs, and foundations that are oriented to research that is applied for the public benefit. The number of federal and foundation grant programs in this category is increasing rapidly. More broadly, the potential beneficiaries of the results of this initiative range from the state's multi-million-dollar industries to individual citizens concerned about quality of life issues. Letters of support for this initiative and comments should be directed to: Robert N. Shelton Tel: (510) 987-9437 |
