An Assessment of remote sensing technology in Virginia planning agencies

Abstract

Remote sensing techniques have proven utility to a wide range of planning problems. This research explores the adoption and application of remote sensing techniques by Virginia planning agencies. All planning agencies within the Commonwealth were sent a Remote Sensing Utilization Questionnaire. Survey results indicate that adoption of remote sensing products is low at all 1evels of planning; that most agency characteristics, e.g. staff size, budget, are not correlated with utilization; and, the lack of remote sensor adoption and use appears to be a result of the lack of remote sensor education among Virginia planners.

Research results suggest also that the demand for information concerning remote sensor applications to planning problems is high among Virginia planners at all levels of planning. A high proportion of respondents at all planning levels stated that they would like additional remote sensing/planning applications information; would like more remote sensing/planning applications articles in professional planning journals; and, would send a representative to a remote sensing/planning applications conference if the conference were held within the state.

Research results define major programmatic roles for federal and state agencies involved with remote sensor technologies and Virginia colleges and universities with remote sensing capabilities.