Policy Direction for Promoting the Satellite Data Use in Public Sector

With the ready access to the high resolution satellite image data, users of and areas covered by satellite image data are constantly on the rise world-wide. Korea will also be able to take full advantage of the satellite data once the KOMPSAT is successfully launched. Harmonizing satellite data production and application technology and users' needs, along with the guiding policy is essential for promoting satellite data use. Up to now, the Korean government has mainly concentrated on developing production technology for the satellite units. However, the imminent task of independent satellite data production demands a promotion policy for satellite data use. In this context, the policy is defined as an important medium for identifying the role and status of satellite image information at the national level and also Preparing the legal as well as systematic foundation for producing, building, distributing, and packaging satellite data. For example, in the countries with the advanced satellite technology, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, digital ortho image and digital elevation model (DEM) are mandatorily included in the National Geographic Framework Data through policy measures. In addition, in order for the efficient provision of the satellite data, separate organization or agency is being in operation for the exclusive production and distribution of the satellite data. The present paper aims to examine the role and status of the satellite data as well as their current status and problems in Korea in reference to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and finally to provide the policy directions to promote the satellite data use in public sector on the basis of the preceding analyses.