The GARS Programme continues to focus on strategic issues identified by IUGS:

• Reducing vulnerability of communities at risk to natural hazards (IGOS Geohazards Theme)
• Managing resources in a sustainable and environmentally sound way (Groundwater Initiative)
• Contributing to understanding of global environmental change (both programme elements).

Objectives of the GARS Programme
The GARS programme was initiated in 1983 with the aims to:

• Demonstrate the use of advanced remote sensing techniques or the solution of key geological questions
• Ensure the transfer of information and technology through co-operative research in the field in combination with educational programmes
• Ensure wide dissemination of results
  

Themes that have formed the focus of the GARS Programme

• Lithological Mapping: focused on improving structural and lithological mapping in tropical environments through the integration of multisensor data with existing information
• Knowledge Transfer: focused on the transfer of knowledge and the training of scientists within the participating countries
• Database Management:
• Landslide Hazard Mapping: focused on developing a new, efficient and cost-effective methodology using remote sensing data and a Geographic Information System (GIS) in landslide hazard mapping
• Volcanic Hazard Mapping: focused on monitoring volcanic activity, in particular the study of mudflows (lahars) using a combination of optical and thermal remote sensing data, Synthetic Aperture Radar and GIS
• IGOS Geohazards:
• Groundwater: this is a new theme that is in the early stages of fruition
  

Access to data

As ‘Principal Investigator’ of selected research projects in developing countries, UNESCO receives free remote sensing images that can be used in the GARS Programme. Data is provided free of charge from:

• Canadian Space Agency
• European Space Agency
• Japanese Space Agency
• USA Space Agency