by Bianca Licup and Erwin Tolentino
Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) and drones are current
buzzwords not just in geography, but also the popular media. The fourth Spatial
Technologies in Advancing Research Techniques (S.T.A.R.T. 4) last May 3, 2016
entitled Airborne Platforms for Environmental Monitoring and DRRM didn’t fail
the public’s demand. The program was hosted by the Geography Department and was
organized by Ms. Ony Martinez together with the department’s Core Group and the
Geography 190 class. S.T.A.R.T. is a project that provides opportunities for
young researchers to discuss developments in the science and technology of
spatial techniques and methodologies. It caters to different audiences across
multiple disciplines and also further enhances the awareness of people with
such techniques.
This year, S.T.A.R.T. 4 invited experts in the field of remote
sensing and sustainable technologies. The first presenter was Engr. Rosalyn
Sontillanosa, Information Systems Analyst for National Mapping and Resource
Information Authority (NAMRIA). NAMRIA is the country’s central mapping agency
and is responsible for making maps to transform the country into a
geospatially-empowered Philippines. The second presenter was Mr. Matthew Cua, the Founder-CEO of SkyEye
Inc. The company is a part of the Community of Practice of 58 organizations led
by World Vision Philippines, Save the Children Philippines and other notable agencies.
The company provides innovative technologies for property survey that is
faster, better and cheaper.
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Engr.
Santillanosa was eager to answer the questions
from
the audience
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The S.T.A.R.T. colloquium held at PH 204 was a good introduction
about the different types of sensors and their benefits in various situations.
Engr. Sontillanosa discussed the basics and applications of Synthetic Aperture
Radar (SAR). She also explained the difficulties and challenges NAMRIA is
facing as well as the points it can improve on when it comes to the use of
radar imagery. Radar images generated from satellites and aerial images taken by camera sensors mounted on an airplane are used in DRRM by
relating climate, weather and calamities. She also noted other uses of SAR such
as monitoring oil spill.
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Mr. Cua explains how he and
colleagues started Skyeye.
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Mr. Cua on the other hand talked about the practical applications of
using drones. He also identified the challenges of building their own drones
because the Philippines has yet to set its own guidelines. Together with his
colleagues, they have built drones from scratch, using light materials and
customized cameras. He also mentioned that their drones work better than the
ones from other countries because their drones are custom built for local
conditions. Mr. Cua stressed that helping out and identifying disasters
isn’t about just helping out when there are a lot of people at risk, but also
involving the lives lost due to illnesses and lack of access. Aside from these
purposes, drones can facilitate the evaluation of public infrastructures such
as roads and transportation facilities.
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The speakers
together with the organizers and participants of START 4.
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The overall takeaway from the colloquium was that people have to
make the most out of their resources and utilize the knowledge given to them.
We should also never forget that there are three major responsibilities after a
disaster- build resilience, rehabilitate and improve on response. Technology is
here to help us uphold these responsibilities. We should utilize them,
especially in disaster mitigation, to lessen the casualties and damages of
future disasters.
Erwin
and Bianca are undergraduate students of Geography who were part of the
organizers of START 4.
