Remote Sensing for Natural Hazards Assessment and Control

Overview & Synopsis

Each year, natural hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, tsunamis, floods, wildfires, severe storms, and drought, , affect humans worldwide, resulting in deaths, suffering, and economic losses. According to insurance broker Aon, 2010–2019 was the worst decade on record for economic losses due to disasters triggered by natural hazards, amounting to USD 3 trillion, which is USD 1 trillion more than for the period of 2000–2009. In 2019, the economic losses from disasters caused by natural hazards were estimated at over USD 200 billion (UNDRR Annual Report, 2019). In this context, remote sensing shows high potential to provide valuable information, at various spatial and temporal scales, concerning natural processes and their associated risks. The recent advances in remote sensing technologies and analysis, in terms of sensors, platforms, and techniques, are strongly contributing to the development of natural hazards research. With this Special Issue titled “Remote Sensing for Natural Hazards Assessment and Control”, we proposed state-of-the-art research that specifically addresses multiple aspects on the use of remote sensing (RS) for Natural Hazards (NH). The aim was therefore to collect innovative methodologies, expertise, and capabilities to detect, assess, monitor, and model natural hazards. The present Special Issue of Remote Sensing encompasses 18 open access papers presenting scientific studies based on the exploitation of a broad range of RS data and techniques, as well as focusing on a well-assorted sample of NH types.