A Systematic Review Investigating the Use of Earth Observation for the Assistance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Disaster Response and Recovery

Aamina Shah, Komali Kantamaneni (), Shirish Ravan and Luiza C. Campos ()
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Aamina Shah: Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Komali Kantamaneni: Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Shirish Ravan: School of Natural Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Fylde Road, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Luiza C. Campos: Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: The use of Earth observation technology such as satellites, unmanned aircraft, or drones as part of early-warning systems and disaster risk reduction plans is a widely researched and established area of study. However, the use this technology can have in the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services in the response and recovery phases of a disaster is not widely researched. A systematic literature review was undertaken assessing relevant literature to identify Earth observation technology and methods that can be applied to the context of water, sanitation and hygiene in disaster response and recovery. Whilst there were many water-related studies, there was a lack of studies looking at the potential uses of Earth observation for sanitation. This is an area that requires further research. Three main common uses of Earth observation technology were identified as relevant: (1) Monitoring of surface water quality; (2) Groundwater Sensing; and (3) Mapping and monitoring of hazards and infrastructure. Whilst the studies of Earth observation in these areas highlight that this technology could be usefully applied to assist with water, sanitation and hygiene during disaster response and recovery, more research is needed and there are limitations to consider—predominantly that funding, communication and integration between many agencies and technologies are required. Additionally, some technologies are subject to local regulations which can cause restrictions to their use over contested or private areas, or trans-national boundaries—common situations in disasters. This review was largely influenced by the search strings inputted during the identification of relevant literature; changing the search strings would likely result in a different combination of literature available for review and subsequent variations in the findings.

Keywords: WASH; disaster response; disaster recovery; earth observation; satellites; drones; water; sanitation; hygiene (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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