The Philippines is no stranger to disasters, hence the extensive research and development efforts on science technology plans for disaster risk reduction. Managing disaster risks and events is now heavily dependent on scientific knowledge, whilst implementing evidence-based decision making. 

Leveraging from the past and ongoing  Department of Science and Technology-supported projects and related initiatives on disaster mitigation, the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), together with the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program and Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) now conducts further research on remote sensing, geographic information system, data science, and space data technologies for DRRM and other geospatial applications. 

Using datasets from earth observation satellites, we are now able to mobilize efforts through space science and technologies to complement the pre- and post- DRRM initiatives of national and local government agencies. 

During the recent onslaught of typhoon Odette (International name: Rai)– which ravaged parts of Visayas and Mindanao in mid-December 2021– DOST-ASTI, STAMINA4Space, and PhilSA closely monitored the typhoon, generating maps of the affected areas to provide near real-time data and information to government agencies as well as the public. 

The DOST-ASTI’s Remote Sensing and Data Science: DATOS Help Desk distributed flood impact maps and other datasets to national agencies with disaster management efforts. When there are available SAR datasets concurrent with hazards (flooding, landslide) events brought about by [extreme] weather conditions, DATOS, through its Artificial Intelligence models, detect the potentially inundated and affected areas. Such datasets are also posted on the DATOS Facebook page for public consumption and utilization.

Below are the links to the flood impact maps and other datasets distributed to agencies to aid their post-DRRM efforts:

• Regions I, II, CAR, III, IV-A, and IV-B | 18 December 2021  (~6:00 PM PST): https://bit.ly/3E3M3YY

• Regions VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, and BARRM | 15 December 2021  (~6:00 AM PST): https://bit.ly/3oYKVl9

• Regions II, CAR, IV-A, and V | 14 December 2021  (~6:00 PM PST): https://bit.ly/3dSYNXG

• Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, IX, and BARMM | 13 December 2021  (~6:00 AM PST): https://bit.ly/3ywNazl

Similarly, DOST-ASTI’s Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation (PEDRO) Center consolidated all the satellite images of areas affected by the devastation of typhoon Odette for the DRRM actors to utilize and distribute as necessary. Here is the extent and coverage of capture:

Here are some satellite images taken through the PEDRO Center and processed by the DATOS) Help Desk and the STAMINA4Space Program.  

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte 

Typhoon Odette made its first landfall in the country on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte last 16 December 2021. Using a KOMPSAT-3A image of the island taken 18 December 2021, only two days after the typhoon hit, researchers were able to show the extensive damage in the island as compared to pre-disaster images in 2019. Areas in red show possible damaged properties.

Surigao City, Surigao del Norte 

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) latest report on the typhoon, around 54,000 families were affected by Odette in Surigao City¹.  

In these images taken by PlanetScope last 17 December 2021, widespread flooding in the city can be observed.  

In these satellite images that were taken by SkySat last 19 December 2021, possible destruction of infrastructure in the city are visible (areas inside the red boxes). According to the NDRRMC report, 49,000 houses were damaged by the typhoon in the city. Surigao del Norte suffered P8.1 billion damages to infrastructure and P1.1 billion damages to agriculture¹.  

Ilog, Kabankalan and Sipalay, Negros Occidental 

Odette also substantially ravaged some parts of Negros Occidental. Below are images of the cities of Kabankalan, Sipalay and Municipality of Ilog. According to the same NDRRMC report, around 68,000 families were affected with a total of 29 reported casualties in these three cities. In total, Negros Occidental suffered P3.9 billion in damages in agriculture¹. 

Researchers from STAMINA4Space Program were able to map the possible extent of flooding in the areas through a combination of Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and thresholding technique, as well as map possible flooded roads. 

The satellite image below shows a map of Kabankalan and Ilog taken last December 18, 2021. In this report, approximately 2,958.3 hectares (ha) of land was flooded, with ~2,351.6 ha of flooded cropland. According to NDRRMC’s report, Kabankalan City suffered P630 million damages in agriculture and the Municipality of Ilog some P 343 million¹. 

Similarly, this satellite image shows possible flooded croplands and roads in Sipalay City. Approximately 689.5 ha of land was flooded, with ~458.8 ha of flooded cropland. The NDRRMC report stated Sipalay suffered P 382 million damages on agriculture¹.

Loboc, Bohol

DOST-ASTI and STAMINA4Space Program monitored the flooding in Bohol as well. Images from PlanetScope taken on 18 December 2021 show the possible extent of flooding in Loboc, Bohol. Loboc suffered damages to infrastructure amounting to six million.

This map of the area shows possibly-flooded croplands and roads in Loboc. Approximately*113.2 ha of land was flooded, with ~73.1 ha of flooded cropland.

The satellite images were distributed to concerned agencies including Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Palawan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management (MDRRM), DOST Regional Offices, DOST Office of the Secretary, Office of Civil Defense, NDRRMC, among other agencies.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY EFFORTS AND MOBILIZATION  FOR DRRM

DOST-ASTI, STAMINA4Space, and PhilSA have also been initiating capacity and resilience building activities through available S&T infrastructures and research initiatives on earth observation (EO) applications. EO data, when properly used, can considerably combat the risks of climate change and disasters.

Check the consolidated report and prior initiatives in Space Science & Technology and Applications (SSTA) in the Philippines:

• Volume 1
• Volume 2
• Volume 3

References: 

¹ Situational Report for TC Odette (2021)  https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/4174/SitRep_No.35_for_Typhoon_ODETTE_2021.pdf

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Using satellite images, STAMINA4Space researchers were able to make preliminary assessments on the impact of the storm, particularly on crops. The 3-meter resolution images from PlanetScope were captured on the morning of February 22, 2021—a day after Tropical Storm Auring hit Surigao del Sur.

Using Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), the researchers were able to determine the flooded areas in the municipalities of San Miguel and Tago, Surigao del Sur. STAMINA4Space researchers estimated that 3,412 hectares of land were inundated, with 92% of it (3,168 ha) being cropland. NDWI is a parameter used to detect and monitor water surfaces in the area. 

Pre-disaster satellite images of these croplands revealed that most of the land area only contained sparse vegetation at the time STS Auring crossed the region. Upon checking the cropping calendar cycle in the region, it confirmed that under normal circumstances, planting season should have just begun at the time the storm passed. However, these are still subject to on-ground validation. 

The latest report from National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed 34,678 individuals or 9,672 families affected by STS Auring in San Miguel and Tago, while 131,994 individuals or 37,247 families in Surigao del Sur were affected¹. The whole province also suffered PHP 69.8 M damages on rice production according to NDRRMC¹. These were the estimated damages incurred during the seedling and vegetative stage of the crops, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s bulletin². Aside from rice, Surigao del Sur’s major crops  also include coconut, banana, sweet potato, cassava and corn. On the other hand, the livestock and poultry industry incurred around PHP 3.4 M worth of damages¹. These can still be further validated with reports at the local level. 

The NDRRMC report determined a total of 139 damaged houses in Tago and a total 639 damaged houses for the whole province of Surigao del Sur as of writing.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road and  K1362+689 Hubo Bridge in San Agustin, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur was still impassable as of February 22³.

STAMINA4Space Project’s imaging and assessment capabilities are some of the technologies that are being transitioned to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). These efforts are in line with the agency’s Key Development Areas (KDAs), particularly Space Research & Development and Hazard Management & Climate Studies.

References:

¹https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/4144/SitRep_No_7_TC_Auring_2021_Update.pdf  

²https://www.facebook.com/521426187938826/posts/3703819999699413/ 

³https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/news/21527 

The Space Technology Applications Mastery, Innovation, and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program  is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), monitored by DOST’s Philippine Council for Innovation, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), and implemented by DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), and the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD). It further aims to develop deep expertise that enables and sustains the growth of a local scientific-industrial base in space technology and applications in the Philippines.

Email: info@stamina4space.upd.edu.ph

Website: stamina4space.upd.edu.ph

Facebook: Facebook.com/STAMINA4Space

Instagram: Instagram.com/@stamina4space

Twitter: Twitter.com/@STAMINA4Space (main), Twitter.com/@Diwata2PH (Diwata-2)

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national space program in line with the Philippine Space Policy. The PhilSA was created through the Philippine Republic Act 11363, also called the Philippine Space Act, signed into law on August 8, 2019. The PhilSA envisions a Filipino nation bridged, uplifted, and empowered through the peaceful uses of outer space. Its mission is to promote and sustain a robust Philippine space ecosystem that adds and creates value in space for and from Filipinos and for the world.

Email: info@philsa.gov.ph

Facebook: Facebook.com/PhilSpaceAgency

Instagram: Instagram.com/philspaceagency

Twitter: Twitter.com/PhilSpaceAgency

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As a scientific Earth Observation satellite, Diwata-2’s primary task is to capture images of Earth but it can also be used to target other celestial bodies in our solar system. Recently, Diwata-2 was tasked to take pictures of the Moon as part of an experiment carried out by researchers from the STAMINA4Space Program and Tohoku University in Japan. The experiment was undertaken to test Diwata-2’s target pointing capability, calibrate its sensors, and monitor its health and status. Accurate target pointing is crucial for effectively capturing images of areas identified during mission planning, and the Moon is a good point of reference for target calibration.

Satellite calibration using the Moon

This mission was part of the experiments of Mr. Edgar Paolo Violan, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholar currently pursuing a degree in Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering at the Space Robotics Laboratory of Tohoku University in Japan. Mr. Violan’s research involves using the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) of Diwata-2 to target lunar acquisitions that lead to more precise target pointing maneuvers in capturing observation images. In-flight calibration of the ADCS is implemented as needed to correct any small, but still apparent, misalignments within the satellite’s components.

“From its initial skewed results, the satellite’s attitude sensors settings were adjusted accordingly until the Moon was finally captured and centered in the frame of view of the optical payload used (in this case, the High Precision Telescope or HPT). From the results of the lunar acquisition, we hope to increase the precision of Diwata-2’s Earth observation captures,” says Violan.

The results of the experiments can be used to yield enhancements in the design and implementation of ADCS that can be incorporated in other and future satellites.

“Attitude control systems enable spacecraft and satellites like Diwata-2 to accurately determine and adjust its orientation. As such, its robust performance is crucial to the success of the space mission. These systems also have wide ranging applications outside of space, ranging from autonomous vehicles, navigation to wearable devices for balance control. Therefore, innovation by Filipino engineers and scientists in this technology is important,” says Dr. Joel S. Marciano, Jr., the Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and formerly Program Leader of the STAMINA4Space Program.

The Ground Receiving, Archiving, Science Product Development and Distribution or GRASPED project, a component of the STAMINA4Space program, assisted in carrying out the experiment. The GRASPED project is in charge of the day to day operations of the Diwata microsatellites, from deciding which targets to acquire to distributing the images to project stakeholders. In this experiment, Violan worked with the GRASPED team in tasking Diwata-2 to perform the acquisition through the Tohoku University Ground Station (CRESST), Sweden’s Kiruna Station, and the Philippine Earth Data Observation (PEDRO) Center at the Advanced Science and Technology Institute of the DOST. The data was then downloaded and processed by GRASPED into the images seen here.

Figure 2. Diwata-2’s first image of the Moon using the 740nm band of its Spaceborne Multispectral Imager (SMI) payload. Image acquired on November 14, 2019.

All eyes on the Moon

While the lunar acquisition experiments served its purpose in improving Diwata-2’s pointing accuracy, it also gave us detailed images of the Moon showing several notable features on its surface. Explorations and studies towards understanding of our planet’s only natural satellite have ensued since the Apollo missions in the ‘60s.

The commercial exploitation of the Moon has now become the subject of heightened international interest with the announcement of the Artemis Accords by NASA, which is in line with the United States-led Artemis Moon program aimed at building long-term human presence on the Moon. According to a recent Reuters news report1, the accords “appear to clear the way for companies to mine the Moon under international law and urge countries to enact similar national laws that would bind their private sector’s space operations.” Included in the plan is the establishment of so-called ‘safety zones’ on the lunar surface that are intended to ensure peaceful coexistence among parties operating Moon bases. Concerns have been raised, however, on how the safety zones might lead to national appropriation and therefore contravene the Outer Space Treaty, which states that the Moon and other celestial bodies are “not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means.”

Figure 3. Notable features include the famous landing sites of Apollo 11, Luna 5, and Surveyor 3 & 4; Tycho Crater, Gassendi Crater, Ptolemaeus Crater, Schickard Crater, Copernicus Crater, Mare Humorum, Mare Nubium, and Mare Nectaris.

 

References:

¹ Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-artemis/star-trek-not-star-wars-nasa-releases-basic-principles-for-moon-exploration-pact-idUSKBN22R2Z9

Read about Diwata-2 or browse, download, or request for images.

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Using Diwata-1’s images, researchers were able to estimate the height of a cloud top, which is relevant in monitoring rainfall and thunderstorms.

This is according to a study published in the international journal Scientific Reports on May 5, 2020. The study, with a title “Determination of Cloud-top Height through Three-dimensional Cloud Reconstruction using DIWATA-1 Data”, highlighted the use of data from Diwata-1 in determining cloud-top height.

The height of a cloud-top, which is the distance between the top-most visible portion of a cloud and the Earth’s surface, is important in estimating the vertical growth of clouds. A faster rate of vertical growth of clouds often indicates rainfall and thunderstorms.

The study is a collaborative research among scientists from University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Hokkaido University in Japan and Understanding Lightning And Thunderstorms For Extreme Weather Monitoring And Information Sharing (ULAT) Project. The ULAT Project is done through a Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Science and Technology (JST) and Hokkaido University enjoining all parties for a project titled “Development of Extreme Weather Monitoring and Information Sharing System in the Philippines”. The project is an Official Development Assisted (ODA) project under the initiative of Japan’s Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) Program.

“This study is a demonstration that a single microsatellite, such as DIWATA-1, with its target-locking mode, can be used to obtain cloud-top height estimates at a higher temporal and vertical spatial resolution than conventional satellites. Since microsatellites are much cheaper to build and can be developed faster, the realization of its operational use for weather forecasting can be achieved with a constellation of microsatellites and denser ground receiving stations,” said STAMINA4Space Program Leader Dr. Gay Jane Perez.

Using the satellite’s target-locking capability that could capture cloud images at 200-ms interval and its high resolution payloads, researchers constructed three-dimensional cloud models. These images have finer vertical resolution than other satellite data, allowing more precise measurements.

Diwata-1’s mode of capturing

Normally, earth-observation satellites such as Diwata-1 and Diwata-2 capture images by facing their cameras or sensors towards the Earth’s surface. This is shown in Figure 1 where the satellite continues to take pictures with the same orientation as it moves along its orbit. This is called nadir-pointing and produces a bird’s-eye view of the surface.

In this study, Diwata-1 employs a different imaging technique called target-locking mode which can be seen in Figure 2. The target-locking mode is where a satellite reorients itself as it captures images of a specific target, in this case, clouds. This allows Diwata-1 to capture images of the same cloud at different angles. With these sets of images at hand, a technique called stereo-imaging can be used to produce a reconstructed 3D model of the cloud.

What is a cloud-top height for?

For this study, Diwata-1’s high resolution cameras like the Spaceborne-Multispectral Imager (SMI) and the High-Precision Telescope (HPT) were used, allowing for higher image resolution. The precision of the 3D model and its measurements, shown in Figure 4, relies on the resolution of the images. Due to the relatively finer resolution of DIWATA-1’s cameras, a more precise measurement of cloud-top heights can be achieved.

In particular, using images captured by Diwata-1’s HPT and SMI cameras, cloud-top height measurements at 2-m or 40-m resolution can be obtained, which are 250 and 12.5 times, respectively, finer than currently available data on cloud-top heights derived from other satellites and techniques.

“The vertical resolution provided by Diwata-1 is indeed higher than conventional satellites, only measurements provided by emitting lasers could produce a higher vertical resolution. However, these instruments are limited and only provide measurements below their track. Furthermore, they are technologically expensive and complex. By using a microsatellite, greater aerial coverage can be achieved.” said Ellison Castro, researcher and one of the authors of the paper.

But where can these measurements be used?

These measurements are used in estimating the vertical growth of clouds. A faster rate of vertical cloud growth can indicate heavy rainfalls. This is especially helpful in tropical countries such as the Philippines. During the dry months of April to June, intense heat experienced during the day contributes to an increase in the convective activity of the atmosphere, enabling the development of thunderstorm clouds that may bring isolated heavy rains.

Monitoring the cloud-top height may be used as an input to an early warning system and forecast methodologies, further equipping us for weather disturbances.

In April 6, 2020, Diwata-1 reentered the Earth’s atmosphere, ending its four-year service to the country. With this, Diwata-1’s estimation of cloud-top height continues with Diwata-2, having been equipped with similar HPT and SMI cameras.

See the full paper here: www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-64274-z

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Using satellite images from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3, researchers from the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program were able to observe the possible reason behind the change in the color of Manila Bay.

This was after pictures of Manila Bay waters turning turquoise circulated last March 25, 2020, a week after the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine took effect.

Using the spaceborne images, researchers were able to estimate the chlorophyll-a concentration and water turbidity in the area from March 13 to March 28. High water turbidity could indicate high water pollution while chlorophyll-a concentration suggests algal abundance.

In the images, relatively high chlorophyll-a and turbidity values were already observed as early as March 23, with turbidity levels doubling up by March 25, suggesting that the change in color of Manila Bay waters could be attributed to high water pollution. However, since chlorophyll-a levels did not increase significantly around Manila Bay (area in box), the change of water color could not be attributed to algal bloom.

The areas in red, Pasig River and Bacoor Bay, were deemed as the ‘hotspots’. Depending on the wind direction and water circulation, the waters from these areas possibly influenced the waters of its neighboring Manila Bay.

Pollutants from aquaculture, industry, and commercial establishments contribute to the turbid waters of Bacoor Bay, while collective wastes from residential, commercial, and industrial activities negatively impact the water quality of Pasig River.

Significant decline in chlorophyll-a and turbidity was already observed by March 28.

For more Diwata images, visit the Featured Image page.

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Captured by Diwata-2’s Spaceborne Multispectral Imager (SMI) on January 27, 2020.

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Remote sensing experts from the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program acquired a new Diwata-2 image of Taal Volcano, a few weeks after the January 12 eruption.

The image was captured by Philippine microsatellite Diwata-2’s Spaceborne Multispectral Imager (SMI) on January 27, 2020, 16 days after the phreato-magmatic eruption of Taal Volcano. To detect changes, it was compared to a pre-eruption image captured on January 6, 2020. Figure 1 shows the January 6 image (left), side-by-side with the post-eruption January 27 image (right). The SMI is one of the five optical payloads or cameras on-board the Earth-observing microsatellite.

Since the onset of the eruption, Diwata-2 has been tasked to capture images of the affected area — maximizing the microsatellite’s sun-synchronous orbit, which allows the team on the ground to calculate regular revisit times of 11 days over a targeted area. An image where Taal is visible was successfully captured on January 27.

Supplementary data for determining ashfall

Comparisons between pre-eruption and post-eruption images show ash covering Taal Volcano Island and mainland around Taal Lake. These images allowed researchers from the team to make an assessment on the extent of ashfall after the eruption. In Figure 2, areas possibly affected by the ashfall were shaded in gray.

Aside from Diwata images, data from other satellites were also studied. Images from space during the eruption show the extent of ash clouds up to the Cagayan Region, approximately 380 kilometers north of Taal, Batangas. Figure 3 shows the concentration of ash in the atmosphere, with dark red colors depicting higher ash concentration. Although the ash clouds reached Northern Luzon, ash fall was only recorded as far as Pampanga and Pangasinan. This is due to the characteristics of the ejected volcanic material and atmospheric processes involved in their transport.

The extent of the area affected by the ash fall depends largely on the following factors: the volume and particle size of ash erupted, height of volcanic plume, atmospheric moisture, wind speed, and wind direction. Heavier and coarser volcanic ash particles are more likely to land in close to the crater due to gravity, as opposed to lighter and finer particles that are more likely to get dispersed farther.

Environmental impacts of the eruption

Aside from monitoring the extent of the ash clouds, satellites also detected the diffusion of toxic compound sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere due to the eruption. Areas in darker orange (Figure 4) indicate higher presence of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere.

Sulfur dioxide is a toxic gas that can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and airways. This compound can also be converted to acid rain which disrupts photosynthesis in plants and contaminates water. Water in contact with sulfur dioxide makes it acidic and such an environment is known to alter fish respiration and behavior such as reproduction. Some fish species produce fewer eggs in acidic environments, which could affect the population of fish.

Spaceborne solutions for Earth problems

This information would not be possible to obtain without earth-observation satellites. The advantageous vantage point of space provides us with more opportunities for large-scale assessments of geologic and atmospheric phenomena such as volcanic eruptions. With the continuous development of spaceborne technology, we hope to tap into more possibilities on integrating data collected from space and the ground.

References:

¹ SEVIRI Ash RGB Quick Guide. https://www.eumetsat.int/website/wcm/idc/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=PDF_RGB_QUICK_GUIDE_ASH&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&Rendition=Web

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The image above is a mosaic of 20 images showing several areas of the Philippines’ Visayan Islands. The images were captured by Diwata-2’s Spaceborne Multispectral Imager (SMI) payload, with the ERC used to pansharpen the images in the figure below. In the image above, we can see parts of Cebu City, Biliran and Ormoc — including some of Ormoc’s sugarcane fields, which appear as brown patches. Popular tourist attractions such as the Camotes Islands, Kalanggaman Island and Malapascua Island are also visible. Also worth noting is the prominent Danajon Bank area, which is the only double-barrier reef in the Philippines. It is valued as a unique coastal environment which serves as an important conservation site for mangroves, corals and marine life.¹

These neighboring areas are located within and around the Camotes Sea and Visayan Sea, the latter being one of the Philippines’ largest fishing grounds. In the 10th Visayan Sea Summit held in Iloilo on September 28, 2018, representatives from Iloilo, Negros, Capiz, Masbate, and Negros Occidental signed a framework that better protects and conserves the sea’s biodiverse ecosystem.² With Diwata-2’s revisiting capability, high priority areas such as the Visayan Sea and its surrounding areas may be regularly monitored.

Pansharpened using ERC. This image highlights the contrast between an SMI image pansharpened with ERC (right) versus an SMI image with no pansharpening applied (left).

Displayed above is a side-by-side comparison of a portion of the mosaic previously shown, with one enhanced or pansharpened by the ERC image (right), and the other with no pansharpening applied (left). The ERC is a panchromatic camera used to increase the resolution of the images captured by the SMI, with a field of view of 89.67 km and a spatial resolution of 54 m.

Pansharpening is a technique where a high-resolution panchromatic image is fused with medium-resolution multispectral image to create a multispectral image with higher-resolution features.³ We can observe that the pansharpened image contains more details of the urban area captured. Pansharpening is therefore vital in resolving more details and features from the image, providing us with more data about the location captured.

Aside from the SMI and ERC, Diwata-2’s Middle Field Camera (MFC) also yielded an image stretching from Camarines Norte down to a part of Panay Island on December 25, 2018, as well as parts of North Luzon starting from the National Capital Region (obscured by clouds) up to Tuguegarao on December 26th. The MFC is a camera used to help locate the images captured by the High Precision Telescope (HPT) and SMI on the map. It is important in helping determine which part of the world is shown in the images captured.

Previously, the first images captured and featured were those taken by the SMI, HPT, and Wide Field Camera (WFC) payloads. This second set of Diwata-2 images is part of the ongoing calibration and validation phase of these optical payloads. Testing of more instruments in the microsatellite are underway, including the voice communications testing of the amateur radio unit (ARU). Initial successes have been achieved by the team and several collaborators in separate voice repeater tests in Quezon City, Philippines and San Diego, California, USA. Additional testing is currently underway for more functionality verification and consistency checks.

References

¹ Samonte, Giselle P.B., et al. “Economic Value of a Large Marine Ecosystem: Danajon Double Barrier Reef, Philippines”. Ocean and Coastal Management, vol. 122, 2016, pp.9–19. Elsevier, coast.ph/sites/default/files/Samonte%20et%20al%202016_Danajon%20Econ%20Valuation.pdf

² Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1766982

³ Retrieved from https://landsat.usgs.gov/what-pan-sharpening-and-how-can-i-create-pan-sharpened-image

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Having a sun-synchronous orbit will enable the microsatellite to have fixed revisit intervals — a vital feature that allows for repeated monitoring of targeted areas for assessment of crops, coastal areas and on demand image acquisition on areas hit by disasters. Its higher altitude (initial altitude at 621 km) also enables a longer lifespan. Diwata-2 will stay in orbit for 3 to 5 years, making it potentially last longer than Diwata-1.

Diwata-2’s first vision of the Earth

The image of the Earth above was captured using Diwata-2’s Wide Field Camera (WFC) taken on November 6, 2018, at 1:36 in the afternoon. Large cloud patterns seen in the image are situated above the South China Sea.

The fields of Kalinga

Diwata-2’s High Precision Telescope (HPT) captured an image of Tabuk City, Kalinga, which is part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)on November 14, 2018, 1:09 in the afternoon. The image shows the Barangay of Bulo and its rice paddies during the second harvest season (upper right corner of image). Diwata-2’s 11-day revisit at 8⁰ satellite tilt will enable the acquisition of several images within a cropping season. These will be useful in determining the stages of crops and estimating potential yield as well as assessing the damage brought by flooding, drought and other disasters.

A snapshot of Aurora

This image was captured using the Spaceborne Multispectral Imager (SMI). It covers a part of the Casiguran municipality in the Philippines’ Aurora province, as well as the coast along neighboring municipalities Dinalungan and Dipaculao (sparsely obscured with clouds), Baler Bay and the Casiguran Sound. Images of coasts captured through Diwata-2’s cameras can be used to assess coastal conditions which are key indicators for water quality, ecological health and resource management.

Read more about Diwata-2 or browse, download and request for Diwata-2 images.

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Diwata-1 captured the eye of Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) on Saturday, September 15, 2018, ravaging the northern part of the Philippines. The strongest typhoon of the year to date, Typhoon Ompong has left a trail of destruction in its path, particularly in the areas of Cagayan, Isabela, Benguet and Abra before moving out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by morning of Sunday, September 16.

Diwata-1 has been in orbit since April 27, 2016, and has currently captured over 30,000 images of different areas around the world. Diwata-2, which will carry the same payloads with the addition of an Enhanced Resolution Camera (ERC) an Amateur Radio Unit (ARU) and a sun-synchronous orbit, is expected to be launched before the end of 2018.

Read more about Diwata-1 or browse, download, or request for Diwata-1 images.

The post Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) as seen by Diwata-1 appeared first on STAMINA4Space.