Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization

Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) is a government controlled astronomy and space research organisation of Bangladesh.Established in 1980 as an autonomous multisectoral R & D organization of the Govt. of the People's Republic of Bangladesh,it acts as the centre of excellence and national focal point for the peaceful applications of space science, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Bangladesh.

=Activities=

Agricultural research

*Survey and monitor the agricultural crops.
*Estimation of major crop yield : rice, wheat etc. particularly the winter crops. This forecast is used to plan the food situation in the country and helps attain food security. The role of SPARRSO in this regard has been commended by the Government. Vegetation indices are calculated for the entire country.

Disaster monitoring

Satellite data on cloud formations in the region is received hourly and any impending disaster like depression, cyclone, floods etc are reported to the Govt. and also to BMD, BWDB, BAF and other relevant agencies. Cyclones of 1970,1985,1991 were monitored. Floods of 1987, 1988, 1998 and 2004 were monitored.

=Environment study= Climate change, Global warning, EL-Nino, Monsoons and Ecology.

=Aapplications= *Digital map productio on unser required themes.
*Enumeration Area Mapping of 26 Districts.
*Khulna Master Plan Area Mapping.
*Landuse / Land cover Maps of different ecological zones.
*Coastal Afforestation Map.
*Administrative Unit Map.
*Accretion and Erosion Map.
*Infrastructure Map of different Upazila.

Forestry

*Prepared forest cover map of Bangladesh.
*Completed monitoring of Coastal Mangrove Afforestation of the Department of Forest in two phases under World Bank assistance.
*Conducted survey of Modhupur Sal forest & other forests.
*Performed Timber Volume Inventory of Sundarban forest.

Fisheries

Small & large water bodies were mapped for Fisheries Resources Survey Project of the Department of Fisheries. Updated Inventory of Inland Waters of three Districts. Shrimp farming studied in Satkhira, Chokoria and in the coastal region. Model on Suitable Site Selection of Shrimp farming using R/S and GIS in Coastal Areas.

Water resources

Prepared drainage pattern map of Bangladesh. wDetermined morphological changes of the Major rivers and Mapped small & large water bodies of the country and provided support to NWMP & FCD projects. wDetected nature of fluvial Changes in the Jamuna :confluence movement, bank erosion, channel movement and island characteristics. wKaptai Lake and Hail haor studied. Oceanography, Coastal environment study and many others.

External links

* [http://sparrso.gov.bd Official website of SPARRSO]