Specific research programmes (EEC) to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre - Application of remote-sensing techniques -, 1988-1991

Part of the Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (1987-1991) under sub- activity 1.3: "Environment", this second JRC programme in this field complements, in a sense, that of the ESA and the national space agencies.
To develop more advanced remote-sensing techniques, such as laser-induced fluorescence and microwave sensors, and to apply conventional remote-sensing techniques, including airborne sensors, in areas such as land use planning, the monitoring of renewable resources and marine pollution and productivity.
Four areas:

- Land:
Land use planning in European marginal areas: development of methodologies for the elaboration of land use statistics and maps;

- Monitoring of renewable resources in Sahelian countries:
Study of the dynamics of vegetation at a regional level;

- Sea:
. Sea pollution surveillance ("Archimedes" exercises):
Demonstration of methodologies and sensor packages for the detection, identification and quantification of pollutant spills at sea (hydrocarbons, chemicals);
. Coastal transport of pollution:
Development of a system for monitoring and analysing physical and biological processes related to anthropogenic pollutants in coastal areas;
. Marine productivity:
Development of the use of remote-sensing data in analysing the physical and biological processes connected with coastal upwelling and marine productivity;

- Advanced techniques:
. Laser fluorescence remote-sensing: development of the potential of laser-excited fluorescence for remote-sensing of the environment;
. Microwave remote-sensing: development of the potential of microwave sensors.
The Commission, assisted by the board of governors of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), is responsible for carrying out this programme, which is executed by the JRC's Institute of Remote Sensing Applications at Ispra.

In cooperation with the board of governors, the Commission ensures that periodic consultation is maintained with the relevant management and coordination advisory committees or equivalent committees with a view to ensuring coordination and consistency of approach between shared- cost actions and JRC activities in the same areas.

Each year before 31 March the Commission submits a report on the implementation of the Decision governing this programme to the European Parliament and the Council. The report is accompanied by the observations of the board of governors.

The research work implemented by the JRC pursuant to the Decision will be evaluated by a panel of external experts set up by the Commission after consulting the board of governors.