Geological Applications and Mineral Resources

Egypt is working hard to develop its economy and to exploit all the possibilities offered by its natural resources in order to meet the challenges of competition and internationalization of the economy which seem to be the main traits of the 21st century. Among the prime interests of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences in the last years is to study some parts of the country for Sustainable Development.

The evaluation of non renewable natural resources (minerals, ground water) or geologic and major topographic features does not need continuous dynamic observation of the earth’s surface. Natural Disasters, on the other hand, may develop over extended periods of time, or appear suddenly. Therefore, their dynamic nature is evident. Dealing with geological processes, mostly on issues related to natural disasters (flash floods, earthquakes), therefore, should also be dynamic and based on real-time information. The speed and quality of communicating such information can be critical. Here, the role of aerospace-related technologies can not be stressed enough.

In fact, such technologies can provide information on changes occurring on the surface of the earth, both qualitative and quantitative, and on both the spatial and temporal scales. Coupled with in-situ measurements, these technologies can provide excellent framework within which sustainable development can be achieved where the economic goals are fulfilled without any risk to the human or environmental values.

GARMS Strategy

Strengthen and diversify the utility of aerospace-related technologies (remote sensing, GIS, GPS, communication, etc) and their geological applications in the different developmental plans of Egypt
Raise awareness on the different applications of aerospace related technologies in geological applications among governmental agencies.
Provide geological technical and expert assistance to both governmental and private sectors.
Provide training on the uses and applications of aerospace related technologies in the areas of geological studies to serve the development of the national economy (such as sustainable development planning and land-use).
Strengthening cooperation with internal sectors of NARSS to tackle and achieve comprehensive multidisciplinary studies required for sustainable development
strengthening cooperation with other national agencies to assure integration and to avoid duplication of work.
Strengthening cooperation with international agencies to exchange experience and to build and develop national capacity .

GARMS Activities

• Generate a reliable geological and geomorphological information data base
• Provide information for mineral exploration
• Monitor crustal movements (resulting of earthquakes, landslides, etc...)
• Identify hazardous areas (susceptible to be subjected to natural hazards)
• Early warning geo-environmental system
  (earthquakes and flash flood prediction)
• Support integrated planning of the new settlements, by generating relevant basic layers for GIS