Technology, remote sensing and policy makers

The ability to rapidly collect detailed information about the natural environment and human activity from overhead has already had an enormous impact. Scientists, policy makers, the media and individuals are daily users of remotely sensed data. For the most part, remote sensing capabilities have been provided, the data distributed and its quality verified by government entities fostering `top-down´ use in shaping public policy. Remote sensing technology is now becoming inexpensive and easily available. As a result, a larger proportion of remote sensing data will become commercially available. The public, non-governmental organizations and private entities will have access to similar views breaking the monopoly of government and government-sponsored entities in policy use. This paper will explore two areas: the evolution toward `bottom-up´ policy decisions, and the impact of commercial competition with government providers of information upon environmental policy