China’s resource mapping satellite program will be used to gather the data and will also assist China in advancing its space technology.
CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences division’s Dr Murray Cameron said China and Australia both share similar environmental problems, as well as highly variable rainfall.
“One of the projects we’ll be working on over the next five years is putting our heads and our data together to work out in detail what’s happening with climate change and how best to deal with it,” Cameron said.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by Cameron yesterday on behalf of the CSIRO.
CASM president Professor Jixian Zhang welcomed the agreement and said satellite-based resource mapping had much to offer the two countries.
“We will be developing sophisticated maths-based information products from the satellite data that will help both countries better manage their environments on the ground,” he said.
The research will be undertaken by remote sensing specialists with more than 10 years experience using satellite and other data to monitor land conditions.
Previous research carried out by the specialists has included measuring changes in vegetation, urbanisation, salinity and other environmental indicators.
