This spotlight looks at the networks above us and the international cooperation that makes their observations useful on the ground.
Tomoyuki Kitamoto, Moeka Yamaji and Natsumi Ueda contribute JAXA perspectives on satellite-supported disaster management. Their presentation introduces GSMaP rainfall information, the Today’s Earth hydrological system, the GLInT satellite and rain-gauge integration tool, and the Sentinel Asia cooperation framework. Together, these initiatives offer a starting point for discussing how regional organisations can connect with satellite information and expertise.
In a separate contribution, Iurii Cherniak of the Space Radio-Diagnostic Research Center at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn explores ionospheric responses to space weather using IGS ROTI maps. With more than 25 years of research experience, he examines how ground-based GNSS measurements help reveal irregularities that can affect satellite navigation and communications.
From rainfall monitoring to the conditions through which navigation signals travel, these talks show different reasons to value connected observation networks. We look forward to welcoming the contributors and the wider geospatial community to Suva.
2026 Pacific Islands GIS & Remote Sensing User Conference
30 November–4 December 2026 · Suva, Fiji
Theme: “Strengthening and Expanding Geospatial Networks in the Pacific Islands”.
Register to join us in Suva · Explore the conference programme
Research credits (ionosphere contribution): Iurii Cherniak, Andrzej Krankowski and Irina Zakharenkova.