Test and Training Centre for Geo-information and Satellite-based services for rescue & emergency services

New satellite-based technologies and services are developed and marketed at increasing pace and are turned into indispensable services for emergency service organisations. Furthermore, geo-referenced data and real-time information have become crucial for mitigation, prevention and efficient response during emergencies and disasters. Hence, rescue and emergency services organisations and public authorities are challenged to integrate new and innovative satellite and terrestrial communications, navigation, Earth observation and visualisation technologies and services in the existing command and control, and decision making processes. In close collaboration with emergency service organisations, public authorities, and industry stakeholders, the concept of a “Test - and Training – Centre for Geo-information and satellite-based services for rescue & emergency services (TT-GSAT)” was elaborated. The aim is to link emergency services, public authorities, industry, science/research and education in a creative and sustainable network to get satellite-based technologies as early as possible into the hands of rescue and emergency staff. The project will support an end-user-oriented development making good use of new security technologies, products and services, will speed up the time-to-operation, and will foster the utilisation of innovative technologies, products and services in this particular market segment.