Robust Satellite Techniques (RST) for Natural and Environmental Hazards Monitoring and Mitigation: Theory and Applications

Several algorithms and data analysis techniques have been proposed using satellite observations (within atmospheric spectral windows) for cloud and surface parameters studies and for human environment monitoring applications. Quite all these algorithms are difficult to extend to different geographical, seasonal conditions, generally offering poor performances and uncertain reliability especially when applied in environmental risk prevision, monitoring and/or mitigation. In this paper the generalized satellite data analysis approach RST (Robust Satellite Technique) is described which extend the use of RAT (Robust AVHRR Techniques) approach -previously proposed by the same author in 1998 -to whatever satellite sensors. Successful RST applications are also described with reference to results so far achieved by using optical and microwaves passive sensors for volcanic eruption monitoring and prediction, forest fire detection, floods mapping, monitoring and early warning, possible earthquake precursors monitoring, oil spill detection and pipeline networks monitoring.