Remote sensing research in Malaysia

The Malaysian Centre for Remote Sensing (MACRES) was established as a research and development organisation with the objectives of developing remote sensing and related technologies and operationalising their applications for resource and environmental management in the country. Apart from implementing a National Remote Sensing Programme which is being fully participated by all the user agencies in the country, MACRES main task is to conduct and support research towards operational use of relevant technologies for national development. Three main areas of emphasis for remote sensing research and development in the country are microwave remote sensing applications, remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) integration, and multi-sensor/multi-platform data fusion. This paper highlights research and development activities in remote sensing and related technologies in Malaysia and indicates the direction taken towards operationalisation of these technologies in the country.