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*New Zealand is currently experiencing one of its worst natural disasters since the Hawke's Bay earthquake in 1931. One factor that differs significantly between now and then, is the availability of satellites and space applications. While New Zealand has no satellites of its own, through international disaster charters, the first satellite images have been obtained, highlighting areas of damage.*
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The following images relate to the 6.3 magnitude Earthquake on 22 February 2011, centred near Lyttelton in the Christchurch region.

h2. Digital Globe Images

Hitachi Solutions has [published a GeoPDF|http://www.hitachi-solutions.co.jp/company/press/news/2011/0225_2.html] (Japanese - view [English translation|http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.hitachi-solutions.co.jp/company/press/news/2011/0225_2.html&hl=en&langpair=auto|en&tbb=1&ie=UTF-8]) of a Digital Globe satellite image, showing the central Christchurch area.

Two PDF files have been produced, from satellite images taken on 24 February:

* [GeoPDF of Christchurch Central|http://www.hitachi-solutions.co.jp/company/press/news/2011/img/0225_2/GeoPDF_Christchurch_New_Zealand.pdf] (12 MB) ([Local download|http://media.spacefoundation.org.nz/christchurchquake/GeoPDF_Christchurch_New_Zealand.pdf])
* [Annotated GeoPDF of Christchurch Central|http://www.hitachi-solutions.co.jp/company/press/news/2011/img/0225_2/GeoPDF_Christchurch_New_Zealand_GeoMarked.pdf] (12 MB) ([Local download|http://media.spacefoundation.org.nz/christchurchquake/GeoPDF_Christchurch_New_Zealand_GeoMarked.pdf])

Here is a preview of the PDF files (Zoom in on the PDF files to see the full detail):
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&copy; Digital Globe / Hitachi Solutions, Ltd
!digitalglobe-1.jpg|border=1!
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Thank you very much to Mr Atsushi ONO, at the Disaster Management Support Systems Office (DMSSO) for JAXA for making us aware of these products.


h2. Google Earth Satellite Images

We have managed to locate some GeoEye images taken on 23 February 2011, which have been overlayed in Google Earth. This is the first set of imagery of suitable resolution to view the building detail.

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*[View in Google Earth|http://media.spacefoundation.org.nz/christchurchquake/christchurch_earthquake_2011-02-23.kml]*

[!googleearth_preview.jpg|border=1!|http://media.spacefoundation.org.nz/christchurchquake/christchurch_earthquake_2011-02-23.kml]

*[View in Google Earth|http://media.spacefoundation.org.nz/christchurchquake/christchurch_earthquake_2011-02-23.kml]*
You can zoom in and pan around the images, which show Christchurch two days after the disaster. By unchecking the image layers, you can see the landscape before the earthquake. 

This is also available in Google Maps - *[View in Google Maps|http://maps.google.com/maps?ftr=crisisresponse.kmlpanel:src=christchurch_earthquake&cad=christchurch_earthquake]*.

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[ABC News, Australia|http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/christchurch-quake/beforeafter.htm] appears to have some selected scenes from these images, in a nice before-and-after display.


h2. First information products
Click the images for full-size view (Files are approximately 6MB each).

h5. Disaster Extent Map - Flooding and Silt  
Christchurch Centre, Acquired 23 February 2011. Annotated with known locations of damaged buildings. 
{color:red}*Produced 25 February, 9pm.*{color}

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[!SERTIT_CHARTER357_SAFER_GERS083_P04_NZ_Christchurch_extent_25k_en_midres_PREVIEW.jpg|border=0!|http://media.spacefoundation.org.nz/christchurchquake/SERTIT_CHARTER357_SAFER_GERS083_P04_NZ_Christchurch_extent_25k_en_midres.jpg]

This image/map shows areas of seismic induced flood traces (liquifaction traces) - *highlighted in red*, as observed in the satellite images.
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h5. Damage Assessment Map - Detail
Christchurch Centre, Acquired 23 February 2011. Annotated with known locations of damaged buildings. 
*Updated with more information overlays (25 February, 18:50)*

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[!SERTIT_CHARTER357_SAFER_GERS083_P03_NZ_Christchurch_damage_7k5_en_midres_PREVIEW.jpg|border=0!|http://media.spacefoundation.org.nz/christchurchquake/SERTIT_CHARTER357_SAFER_GERS083_P03_NZ_Christchurch_damage_7k5_en_midres.jpg]

This image/map shows locations of damaged buildings and other key locations around Christchurch.

View earlier damage assessment maps:
* [2011-02-24 18:50|http://media.spacefoundation.org.nz/christchurchquake/SERTIT_CHARTER357_SAFER_GERS083_P03b_NZ_Christchurch_damage_7k5_en_midres.jpg]
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These satellite images were provided by the French space agency ([CNES|http://www.cnes.fr/web/CNES-en/7114-home-cnes.php]) under the [UN Disaster Charter|http://www.disasterscharter.org/web/charter/activation_details?p_r_p_1415474252_assetId=ACT-357], at the request of the NZ [Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management|http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/]. 

A similar charter activation has been actioned via the [Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency|http://www.aprsaf.org]'s (APRSAF) [Sentinel Asia|https://sentinel.tksc.jaxa.jp/] disaster monitoring scheme. 

h5. Satellites and disaster management

The initial images show the strengths and weaknesses of the various satellite imagery: On one hand, satellite images give a birds-eye view of the landscape, providing a complete picture of the location. Comparison of pre- and post-disaster images can allow quick identification of affected areas. However these initial satellite images are essentially photographs, and so are obscured by dust, smoke, and cloud cover. Radar-based satellite sensors will be able to provide views through this cover, but these images are not available yet.

Several international or regional efforts exist to provide free satellite data in response to natural disasters (flooding, earthquakes, etc) and man-made disasters (oil spills, etc). To KiwiSpace' knowledge, New Zealand is not a formal member of these charters, but have been able to access them through through partner agencies and international goodwill. The disaster organisations not only provide the raw images, but also processing of the data -- to help deliver meaningful information products, especially to nations who may not have this domestic capability.




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h4. See our other Articles on the Christchurch Earthquake
* [PORTAL:Christchurch Earthquake - Preliminary Fault Analysis]
* [PORTAL:Christchurch Earthquake - Educator Resources]

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h5. About KiwiSpace

!SHARED IMAGES^kiwispace_tightvertical_160x160_transparent.gif!
KiwiSpace Foundation is a new non-profit organisation seeking to make space accessible to New Zealanders.

We aim to showcase the benefits and opportunities that space applications provide NZ; to highlight the many opportunities for New Zealanders to work in global space community; and enhance our national space capabilities and education programmes.

If you're a space enthusiast, [sign up for our newsletter|http://www.kiwispace.org.nz/join] or [become a member|http://www.kiwispace.org.nz/join].
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