Using Remote Sensing for Mapping the Effects of Natural Hazards in New Zealand

New Zealand is susceptible to numerous natural hazards on an annual basis that threaten properties, infrastructure, and lives. Remote sensing can be used as a means to provide both detailed and synoptic information to councils and emergency services, assisting with decision making in response to a hazard or disaster. This paper details a number of case studies undertaken in New Zealand to acquire and process remotely sensed data, with the ultimate goal of developing robust and effective procedures for providing spatial information of damages in the event of future natural disasters.