U.S. Department of the Interior
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM’s) Environmental Studies Program (ESP) develops, funds, and manages rigorous scientific research specifically to inform policy decisions on the development of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM uses remote sensing to inform its research covering physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, biology, protected species, social sciences and economics, submerged cultural resources, and environmental fates and effects. Mandated by Section 20 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the ESP is an indispensable requirement informing BOEM’s decisions on offshore oil and gas, offshore renewable energy, and the marine minerals program for coastal restoration. Through its ESP, BOEM has provided over $1 billion for research to this end since its inception in 1973.
BOEM is working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory at Goddard Space Flight Center to assess the probability of using satellite data for air quality applications, specifically through the estimation and monitoring of offshore ground level concentrations of pollutants and through improvements and
The Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (AMAPPS) II is the continuation of a study to assess the abundance, distribution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds throughout the U.S.
Remotely sensed data and derived information contribute significantly to mission-critical work across the Department of the Interior (DOI). This report from the DOI Remote Sensing Working Group (DOIRSWG) highlights a sample of DOI remote sensing applications and illustrates the many types of technology, platforms, and specialized sensors employed.* DOI personnel use remote sensing technology to evaluate and monitor changing land-surface and natural resource conditions over the vast areas for which DOI has responsibility.
The National Space Policy announced by the White House on July 28, 2010 recognized the Department of the Interior's expertise and accomplishments in remote sensing to provide data and advance research for science and natural resource management. This policy states:
The Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), shall:
Remotely sensed data, information, and resources contribute significantly to mission-critical work across the Department of the Interior (DOI). Spanning data sources from aerial photography, to moderate resolution satellite data, to highly specialized imaging sensors and platforms, DOI personnel use remotely sensing capabilities to evaluate and monitor land-surface conditions over the vast areas for which DOI has responsibility.
The purpose of this program is to assess damage to oil and gas production infrastructure, as well as the environmental impacts following the passing of a category three (or greater) hurricane. Assessment is made by satellite radar imagery. This is a cooperative effort with numerous federal agencies including NGA, FEMA, USCG, EPA, USGS and others. Although the program has been in place for several years it is not yet operational.
NOAA provides geospatial surveillance data of possible oil-on-water events in the Gulf of Mexico. These events are related to oil and gas exploration, and development activities, as well as from natural seeps. Detected event locations are mapped with oil and gas infrastructure data in a GIS environment to identify probable sources. Regulatory enforcement is the purpose of the program.
Flaring is the burning of natural gas when the product cannot otherwise be captured and produced. The European Space Agency provides thermal fire and hotspot geospatial surveillance data. Detected flare locations are mapped with oil and gas infrastructure data in a GIS environment to identify probable sources. Regulatory enforcement is the purpose of the program.
