Information is the Currency of the 20th Century

Planet Earth is surrounded by a multitude of remote sensing satellites. From space, they observe the entire surface of the Earth, including the most remote and inaccessible places in the world. They provide reliable, repetitive, non-invasive, rapid and cost effective information. Earth Observation helps to measure and monitor the Earth's climate and environment and to map its resources. It allows us to observe the influence of mankind on the environment, to see crops growing, to detect pollution, volcanic activity and to spot and analyse disasters caused by fire, flooding or land slides. And it does this from a unique viewpoint.

...and the Press

Just reflect for a moment on how information highways and satellite communication have revolutionized worldwide information exchange and how this has influenced the way we work. Then think about the potential Earth Observation from space has to offer you: a new dimension of gathering information from anywhere in the world.

The Objectives

This guide aims to provide professional editors with appropriate information on Earth Observation. It should encourage the wider use of information created by Earth Observation satellites and show how the press could put Earth Observation to work. The guide is accompanied by a more detailed information package, using CD-ROM and World Wide Web.