OSS Saint-Louis: Harnessing the potential of satellite imagery to provide indicators for decision-making
Saint-Louis, Senegal
Duration: Since 2020
Steering: Space for Climate Observatory (SCO)
Project coordinators: RESALLIENCE, Université de Rouen, Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow de Dakar
Classification
Risks
Solutions
Actors
Summary
The OSS Saint-Louis project of the Space for Climate Observatory (SCO) is carried out by RESALLIENCE, the University of Rouen and the University of Amadou Mahtar Mbow in Dakar. It draws on a multi-sensor approach to assess vulnerabilities linked with compounded coastal risks by combining existing in-situ data, multi-sensor satellite data, surveys of the population, statistical processing and cartographic simulations. The project seeks to:
- improve knowledge of multiple hazards and associated risks,
- define current and future risk hotspots,
- propose tools and indicators of vulnerability,
- raise awareness of the stakeholders towards a multi-risk vision.
Actions
The OSS Saint-Louis project operates in an area that is particularly representative of the coastal hazards and risks encountered in Senegal and more widely in West Africa: the coast of Saint-Louis. It draws on a multi-sensor approach to assess vulnerabilities linked with compounded coastal risks by combining existing in-situ data (water level data, DGPS surveys…), multi-sensor satellite data, surveys of the population, statistical processing and cartographic simulations.
Spatial data provide crucial information on shoreline evolution, land use, beach slope and elevation, sea level rise and regional features. When combined with other measures, the aim is to adjust and validate the algorithms for processing satellite data, so that they can be deployed to study the vulnerability of other sites.
Ultimately, the project aims to develop tools and vulnerability indicators for populations, economic activities, and infrastructures, which can be used to guide decision-making. Flood map simulations will be produced, using several scenarios of sea level rise, and will allow to identify current and future hot spot zones.