Following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, India's response exemplified a multifaceted commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance. The immediate contributions of ISRO's Cartosat-3 in damage assessment and Operation Brahma, India's relief mission to Myanmar, have been well documented.
Cartosat-3’s high-resolution imagery with 0.25m panchromatic and 1m multi-spectral resolution proved crucial in identifying collapsed structures and ground failures in key areas such as Mandalay and Sagaing. However, the use of this detailed satellite data extends far beyond rapid post-disaster analysis.
Cartosat-3 is an advanced Indian Earth observation satellite built and developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), replacing the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) series. It was launched on November 27, 2019, by PSLV-C47 from the second launch pad (SLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota into a Sun-synchronous orbit of 450 kilometers. Thirteen commercial ride-sharing 3U cubesats, including twelve SuperDoves (Flock-4p) by Planet Labs and one Meshbed by Analytical Space of United States, were also put in orbit using the same launch vehicle.
#PSLV-C47 carrying Cartosat-3 and 13 USA nanosatellites lifts off from Sriharikota pic.twitter.com/BBA9QQ2AVd
— ISRO (@isro) November 27, 2019
Cartosat-3 was developed in response to increased demand for imaging services to address urban planning, rural resource and infrastructure development needs.
The imagery from Cartosat-3 is now being leveraged for hazard zonation mapping, which involves identifying areas vulnerable to future seismic activity or landslides based on observable geological changes. This valuable information will inform land-use planning and construction regulations, ultimately reducing the risk of future disasters. In parallel, the precise topographic data supports the planning and reconstruction of critical infrastructure, such as roads, and bridges, including the collapsed Ava Bridge and communication networks, ensuring that rebuilding efforts are both efficient and resilient against future seismic events.
“The satellite data aids in the comprehensive assessment of the earthquake’s impact on agricultural lands and irrigation systems, allowing for the estimation of crop losses and the formulation of targeted agricultural rehabilitation programs,” said Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India.
Beyond providing immediate relief measures, India’s support extends to long-term capacity building in disaster management in Myanmar and other neighbouring nations. The data and expertise shared by ISRO are leading to improvements in local disaster management capabilities. ISRO’s training programmes have equipped Myanmar scientists and engineers with the skills necessary to process and interpret satellite data, while support for developing indigenous geographic information systems (GIS) enables the integration of satellite imagery with other spatial data. This collaborative approach promotes a culture of preparedness, encouraging greater investment in disaster risk reduction strategies not only in Myanmar but across the region.
India’s satellite capabilities are proving to be an invaluable resource for smaller countries in Asia, particularly within the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) group.
“Many of these smaller nations, which may not have the extensive satellite infrastructure of larger countries, are reaping the benefits of shared high-resolution geospatial data,” remarked Kesan.
This technology enables them to manage natural disasters, monitor environmental changes, and plan sustainable development more effectively. The timely and precise data supports not only emergency responses but also long-term strategies for urban planning, agricultural monitoring, and resource management, thereby strengthening regional resilience and cooperation.
