The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is calling on its media partners and the public to #JoinTheMission and make use of open data source application, ODK Collect, to contribute information from the ground before, during, and after disasters. The said application is also used for environmental monitoring.
ODK Collect is downloadable on Android devices for free. Data uploaded on the app goes to a server accessible to various agencies including PhilSA’s High Performance Computing and Information Services Division (HPCISD). Information verified by the HPCISD is transmitted to the Space Data Mobilization and Applications Division (SDMAD) for action.
Engr. Roel de la Cruz, Supervising Science Research Specialist of SDMAD explains how crowd-sourced information helps with space data mobilization: “These data augment the report gathering that can be used in prioritizing satellite taskings in times of disasters and emergencies, and also in verifying space-based mapping outputs and improve the algorithms used.”
Mr. Mark Jayson Felix of PhilSA ESSMSD explains the value of predictive models in conjunction with satellite images and ground data for enhanced disaster preparedness and strategic response: “Models allow us to simulate in advance different disaster scenarios, which can enable us to prepare and respond in a timely and efficient manner.”
“Citizen science is science for the people, by the people, and science is built on information and facts. With this, we encourage everyone to contribute information, when possible, through available tools,” Mr. Randy Beros, Computer Maintenance Technologist III of HPCISD said.
“Everybody can do science, and the contribution of each one of us is important in building scientific knowledge that would benefit society,” Engr. Kristine Bantay, Senior Science Research Specialist of SDMAD adds.
To download ODK Collect, you may access this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.odk.collect.android&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1
PhilSA assists in disaster risk reduction and management efforts using the country’s space assets and space data as mandated by RA 11363 or the Philippine Space Act.
[L-R] Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., PhilSA Director General; Mr. Randy Beros, Computer Maintenance Technologist III of the PhilSA High Performance Computing and Information Systems Division; Mr. Mark Jayson Felix, Senior Science Research Specialist of the PhilSA Earth Sciences Space Mission Studies Division; Engr. Kristine Bantay, Senior Science Research Specialist of the PhilSA Space Data Mobilization and Applications Division; and Engr. Roel de la Cruz, Officer-in-Charge of the PhilSA Space Data Mobilization and Applications Division.
