Can satellites attuned to curbing human rights violations become an instrument for stopping genocide here on Earth?

An opinion editorial asks this question and more in the Summer 2011 issue of Imaging Notes - a distinctive publication that is partnered with Secure World Foundation and focuses on Earth remote sensing for security, energy and the environment.

"To what extent are projects like the private-sector Satellite Sentinel Project effective? They are using imagery to put pressure on governments to intervene, but to what impact? This dialog is an important one," said Myrna James Yoo, publisher of Imaging Notes.

This issue is detailed - along with other satellite remote sensing applications in the just-issued Summer 2011 Imaging Notes magazine - with an online version available here: http://www.imagingnotes.com/

Along with gauging the utility of satellites for human rights, other features in the newly issued Imaging Notes include:

-- How space-based sensors are performing geological forensic duty by discovering the largely missing terrestrial cratering record - spotting impacts on Earth from past asteroids and comets.

-- Spotlighting the new Google Earth Builder platform that makes Google's back-end geospatial capabilities available to enterprise users - business customers.

-- Showcasing a Denver Regional Solar Map application that lets users easily locate their properties and explore the benefits of solar photo-voltaic (PV) installation through a simple address search for their buildings.

A volatile Earth
Also highlighted in the Summer 2011 issue of Imaging Notes is the use of satellites to monitor a volatile Earth with image analysis providing the intelligence necessary to prepare, respond and heal after natural disasters. A Secure World Foundation Forum explores how launch countries and companies are striving to lessen the load of orbital debris circling our planet.

Dr. Ray Williamson, Secure World Foundation's Executive Director, noted that the Foundation established a partnership with Imaging Notes magazine in 2009.

"A central focus of our Foundation centers on strengthening or developing the policies and institutions that improve the utility of space technologies in support of human and environmental security needs," Williamson said. "We are pleased to partner with Imaging Notes to help support our objectives."

Exclusive in-depth reporting
Imaging Notes is the premier publication for commercial, government and academic remote sensing professionals around the world, said Yoo, the publisher of Imaging Notes. "It provides objective exclusive in-depth reporting that demonstrates how remote sensing technologies and spatial information illuminate the urgent interrelated issues of the environment, energy and security," she said.

Qualified professionals may receive Imaging Notes by mail or via digital subscription, free of charge in the United States.