Pre-Tasking triggers satellites data acquisition to proactively capture images of a hazardous event in order to provide response agencies with immediate data, cutting down on collection and response time. Specifically, EFAS Pre-Tasking utilizes EFAS forecasts to start organizing satellite data collection before a flood has occurred (pre-) rather than waiting for a tasking request from a national authority, which is normally done when the flood is already ongoing.
Therefore, EFAS Pre-Tasking aims to:
- reduce the time between a flood event and satellite data acquisition;
- increase the chance of acquiring images at a critical moment (close to the flood peak);
- help delivering crisis information earlier than with the standard satellite data acquisition workflow.
Officers on Duty of the CEMS Hydrological Forecast Centre Analytics and Dissemination (CEMS DISS) monitor EFAS forecasts and compile the Pre-Tasking requests, including area of interest and time interval of the requested satellite acquisition.
Disaster impact mapping is performed under Rapid Mapping (RM), the 24/7/365 on-demand service of CEMS. CEMS Mapping component uses satellite imagery and other geospatial data to provide free of charge mapping service in cases of natural hazards and man-made disasters throughout the world. More information about service is available here: https://mapping.emergency.copernicus.eu/about/
In the case of EFAS Pre-Tasking, geospatial information is provided within hours or days and it includes:
- reduce the time
assessment damage to the infrastructure (buildings, transportation, facilities)
CEMS Mapping service can be triggered only by an Authorised User. List of Authorised Users of Copernicus EMS Mapping is available here: https://mapping.emergency.copernicus.eu/about/authorised-users/. More information about how to request the service can be found here https://mapping.emergency.copernicus.eu/about/how-to-request-the-service/.
CEMS DISS sends EFAS Pre-Tasking requests to the relevant EFAS partner(s), to the CEMS Rapid Mapping Authorised User, to the CEMS Rapid Mapping entrusted entity (European Commission Joint Research Centre), and to the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of EC DG ECHO. EFAS partners are required to coordinate with the CEMS Rapid Mapping Authorised User the decision on whether to request the activation of the CEMS Rapid Mapping Service for the acquisition of the satellite images. It is important to underline that Pre-Tasking requests do not automatically result in CEMS Rapid Mapping activations.
Pragmatic details are provided by the page 4.5 What to do when you receive a Pre-Tasking email?.
Pragmatic details are provided by the page 4.5 What to do when you receive a Pre-Tasking email?.
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