Remote Sensing Activities in Japan

Remote Sensing Activities in Japan

Toshibumi Sakata
Tokai Research and Information Center, Tokai University

Introduction
The early stage of Remote Sensign research activities in 1970, research and application of remote sensing in Japan were concern of many research groups consisting of national research instiutes and universities arranged by Science and Technology Agency.

The “Committee n Interpretation Techniques of Earth Resources Satellite Data “ was organized by this Agency, which coordinates the scientific research and technology for large research projects and new industrial reguirement in the future. The first remote sensing satellite ERTS-1 was launched on July 23, 1972 by NASA, followed by ERTS-2 on January 22, 1975. These satellites are now called Landsat-1 and Landsat-2, and Landsat-3 was launched in 1978. From 1973 to 1975, basic technology data processing system and application technology for remote sensing were developed by many researchers, also, airbone remote sensing and ground truths technique were investigated in the field of user requirements by many research institutions of varius field. The research activities using remote sensing as a new tool of environmental survey increased every year. Although the results were reported at the scientific society and the engineering meeting. In the case of governmental agencies and ministries, STA organized an Interministerial Meeting for remote sensing. This organization is concerned with exchange of opinions and projects plans of future remote sensing activities.

In 1977, based on above results, the ground receiving station for Landsat-2 and Landsat-3, approved by the space development committee, which elected from academic and industrial circles, and also this committee recommended a plan for future earth observation projects of the next 15 years in Japan. In 1979, ground receiving station was established in Hatoyama.

Future plan for earth observation satellite
Japan’s long-range program of earth observation satellite research has been discussed at the meeting in 1978. This project plans to launch a seriews of six earth observation satellites (LOS-1, LOS-2), three marine observation satellites (MOS-1, MOS-2 and MOS-3) and Magnetism/gravity satellite (MAGRAS). The first satellite MOS-1 will be launched in 1983, and concept design has already started 1978, also various kinds of sensor will be developed in collaboration by national agencies, universities and industries. MOS-1 is first experimental satellite for earth observation system in Japan, it will be launched in 1985. The sensor fo MOS-1 is consisted following item; visible and near infrared radiometer, visible and infrared readiometer and microwave radiometer. MOS-2’s sensor will be microwave altimeter and scatterometer LOS-1 disigned the satellite for land surface observation system with high ground resolution, this satellite will be launched in 1978, recently the Ministry of International Trade and Industries announced a satellite for earth resource and geological survey recently, LOS and new plan of MITI and integrated to one mission, after this coordination for both plans, so called Earth Resource Satellite (ERS). The plans of this satellite are involved various kinds optical sensor system and also the synthetic aperture radar.

Research Activities
Since 1970, various remote sensing activities have been promoted by the universities, national research institutes and other private companies. Each year, interest in remote sensing applications has increased, researchers and engineers are preparing new applications in many fields. The Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) was established as a research foundation on July 28, 1975. This organization provides for cooperative research projects between governmental institutions and others.

This organization has own image data analysis systems and provides a training service and contract research between governmental institutions. The Japan Research Committee of Environmental Remote Sensing has conducted its own projects of airbone environmental assessment.

Many research programs from fundamental research to practical field experiments have carried out by university’s members. A fundamental research program has been conducted dealing mostly with data corresction, data processing and system survey of image analysis. Leading and active universities are as follows.

Hokkaido University
Chiba University
Tokyo University
Kanazawa Institute of Technology
Kyoto University
Tokai University

And any national institutes, recently many private companies research activities are increased in various fields. NASDA’s research activities are most important for remote sensing field, at the remote sensing technology center a research project on a information extraction. Although major effort has been made in developing a methodology of processing Landsat data at NASDA.

Application of remote sensing data
The number of applications of remote sensing data obtained from satellites and airplanes has increased every year. It is expected that application of remote sensing data will provide the most economical method of management and decision making in land use,. As well as in environmental surveying, etc. The projects at the national and local government levels have increased rapidly over about 10 years. For these reason, remote sensing technology has now gained recognition.

The researches are going to two directions i.e., comprehensive research funded and coordinated by STA in which many organizations participate, and research conducted by each organization for own needs.

(1) Comprehensive research

Integrated research on acquision, processing and analysis of remote sensing data.
Comprehensive research on demonstration of satellite data.
Joint research on ocean remote sensing technology.

2. Research activities conducted by each governmental organization.

1) Oceanography and fisheries:	Ministry of Agriculture/ Forestry and Fisheries
2) Agriculture and Forestry	Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries
3) Geographical Survey:	Ministry of Construction
4) Land uses and Mapping:	Ministry of Construction National Land Agency
5) Environmental preservation:	Environment Agency
6) Monitoring and Pollution:	Environment Agency
7) Natural Resources:	Ministry of International Trade and Industry
8) Meteorology:	Ministry of Transportion.

Conclusion
During 8 years from Landsat-1 launched to the space, we have received many data of satellite in every second. The early stage in remote sensing technology who is expected present technical development. Technical trends for next stage of remote sansing are data acquisition, processing and data analysis which is well adapted user requirement. Therefore, research and development of remote sensing system are not only satellite sensor, but well organized total system of ground facilities are expected. Also International collaboration through remote sensing activities look forward to many countres.

Table 1. Characteristics of MOS-1 Sensors

Table 2 Characteristics of MSR