A South African airborne remote sensing facility?

The use of remote sensing technology in South Africa is sophisticated, and has become a vital part of many parts of mining exploration, environmental monitoring, mapping, agriculture and many other applications. The sensors that are utilised include: photography (including stereo), multispectral or hyperspectral photography (i.e. more than one infrared band), laser scanner/lidar, imaging radar, magnetic sensors (magnetometers), and gravity sensors. In this paper we argue that there is a pressing need for a dedicated airborne sensor to allow South African technologists to develop new and innovative applications of remote sensing technology to supplement the imagery available from current, fairly restrictive sources of data. The paper also indicates ways in which this flying laboratory should be managed and become another important facility for South Africa