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Remote sensing technology had achieved prominence through the use of periodically-transmitted satellite imaging and information, in integration with geographical information systems, in order to develop advanced research techniques for the study, assessment and monitoring of natural resources on the earth’s surface.

Through its use of this technology, Prince Sultan Center for Environment, Water and Desert Studies aims to achieve the following objectives:

1- Survey, evaluation and management of the Kingdom’s natural resources, and treatment of environmental problems through visual and digital analyses and interpretation of aerial and satellite images. From this analysis, information is derived which can be of value to current projects or certain organizations. This information is presented in the guise of enhanced images, maps, reports and statistical tables which clarify the means of using imagery in the study of the natural resources in question.
2- Carrying out studies and implementing projects related to the desert environment in the Kingdom through the utilization of remote sensing technology and geographical information systems; the most important of these are:
- Studies related to the desert environment encompassing the identification of areas of desertification, and observation of the movement of sand dunes and the encroachment of the desert, particularly in vital areas such as oases, national parks and agricultural lands.
- Studies concerning the water sources, river basins, watercourses and water-collecting pools.
- Preparation of maps and organization of information related to land usage and the changes associated with it, by means of the periodic interpretation and analysis of satellite imagery.
- Preparation of soil classification and analysis maps, which will be of use in estimating the degree of soil fertility and its suitability for agriculture and other purposes.
- Inventory, classification and evaluation of natural vegetation cover, and permanent and seasonal crops, and evaluation of the efficiency of irrigation methods and investigating plant diseases.
- Study of the Kingdom’s forests and their natural environments; identification of the varieties and density of trees, and evaluation of their condition.
- Study of the conditions of natural pasturelands with the aim of serving the programs of administration and development of pasturelands in the Kingdom; comparison between the natural vegatation cover both within and outside protected areas, in order to elucidate its importance in the protection of the pastoral cover.
- Studies related to environmental pollution, and identification of its different sources.
- Geological and geomorphological studies, and the search for mineral resources.
- Publication of an atlas of satellite images of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

3- Design and construction of geographical information systems for the different environments in the Kingdom, and provision of the various sorts of information relevant to natural resources and their associated activities, so as to provide decision makers with the opportunity to review different factors in a comprehensive and expeditious fashion.
4- Integration of the use of satellite imagery, geographical information systems and global positioning systems in the direct electronic gathering methods of field information.
5- Providing an advanced research capability to the Center’s units, as well as researchers and students, to assist in the implementation of projects and research.
6- Offering technical and scientific advice regarding the use of digital image processing systems and analysis of satellite imagery, with emphasis on the types of systems, their technical specifications, areas of application and various sources.
7- Coordination with specialized local agencies concerned with the applications of remote sensing and cooperation in carrying out joint research projects.
8- Establishment of contacts with Arab and international remote sensing centers in order to acquaint them with the Center and to promote scientific exchange and cooperation.
9- Organization of scientific activities, such as the screening of explanatory films, preparation of posters, and invitation of researchers and specialists to give lectures.
10- Collecting information on remote sensing technology and geographical information systems.
11- Preparing and compiling books and other publications on pure and applied topics including theoretical foundations, systems applications and projects.
12- Training in the principles of the technology and applications of remote sensing, especially the use of digital image processing systems for the study and analysis of satellite imagery.

The Remote Sensing Unit and the Geographical Information Systems Unit have been equipped with the latest and most comprehensive programs and equipment, which are constantly being upgraded in order to keep abreast with the rapid technical developments in this field.

A number of research and applied projects have been carried out by the Unit, which include:

• Spectral Reflectance of Rocks, Soil and Vegetation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at a spectral wavelength of 2.5 to 4 micrometers. (A joint project with the Natural Resource and Environment Research Institute at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. 1993-1998 (1413-1418).
 

Field Spectroradiometer used to study the spectral signatures of the major rock, soil and plant types in varied regions of the Kingdom.

The aim of this project was primarily to identify the spectral properties (within the electromagnetic spectral range 2.5 to 4 micrometers) of rocks, soils, and plant cover in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to develop a spectral data base which can be used as an indicators which help, along with information obtained from satellite images, in arriving at a broader interpretation, as well as standardization, of data.

The other goal of the project lies in measurement of the degree to which natural climatic factors affect the spectral reflection of solid and sedimentary rocks, in addition to comparison of reflective characteristics between rocks exposed to the effects of climate and a section of these rocks prepared and measured under laboratory conditions. It also aims to investigate the effect of seasonal variations on the reflective characteristics of major field crops in the Kingdom.

This project resulted in the development of a spatial and spectral library of the most important rocks, soils and plants in the Riyadh Region, as well as the Eastern and Western Regions, from Ad-Dammam on the east coast of the Kingdom to Jiddah on the west. In addition, a data base was established which makes it possible to review the spatial and spectral characteristics of the sample studied, through the Arc View program which has been developed for this purpose.


Satellite Images Atlas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project : 2000-2006 ( 1420-1427)

This project was financed and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General on behalf of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation. It was designed, administered and executed by Prince Sultan Research Center for Environment, Water and Desert at King Saud University in cooperation with the Space Research Institute at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and the participation of specialists and researchers from King Saud University, the General Administration for Military Survey Department and other relevant organizations.

This project is in line with modern technological developments, and in confirmation of their use in the realm of studies related to the environment and natural resources. The rapid development of remote sensing technology, and especially the study of the surface features of the earth using satellites, has contributed to an increase in projects and research implemented using this technology, particularly in the field of the study of the earth’s features. This can be attributed to the fact that this technology offers significant advantages, including high accuracy in the study of terrestrial features and their distribution and conditions, as well as saving time, effort and expense. Furthermore, it becomes possible to study sites which can only be investigated with difficulty using traditional means, as satellites provide the imagery and information required to study the environment and natural resources in vast regions in a short time framework, regionally and periodically.

The Atlas of Satellite Images of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia derives its significance from the fact that it is the first of its kind in the Kingdom. It has been designed to include space images taken by the most important satellites, and especially the American satellite Landsat, which covers the whole Kingdom. The Atlas also provides a concise presentation of the information that can be deduced from the images regarding the regions concerned.

In addition, the Atlas also helps researches and specialists to become acquainted, primarily by means of satellite imagery, with all the Kingdom’s regions, including such aspects as geographical features, land use patterns, extent of development and distribution of natural resources. This information will enable researchers to carry out further scientific and applied studies, and subsequent detailed investigation of particular topics. In this way, the Atlas will be an important resource and a point of departure for devising specialized projects.

Moreover, the Atlas helps in providing information regarding variable climatic features on the earth’s surface, which assists in handling important vital regional environmental topics, such as the protection of the environment from pollution, resistance to desertification, the effect of aridity, high temperatures and the movement of sand dunes, coastal erosion and water pollution, etc., which help concerned governmental departments and researchers to study these phenomena and arrive at solutions to the problems that arise from them.

The Atlas of Satellite Images of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been made available in two forms: 1- A large format book containing the satellite images and data, 2- A CDs with space images and other relevant information which also incorporates presentation and search facilities, as well as the possibility of continuous updating in the future.