Satellite Observations and Malaria: New Opportunities for Research and Applications

Trends Parasitol. 2021 Jun;37(6):525-537. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.03.003. Epub 2021 Mar 25.

Abstract

Satellite remote sensing provides a wealth of information about environmental factors that influence malaria transmission cycles and human populations at risk. Long-term observations facilitate analysis of climate-malaria relationships, and high-resolution data can be used to assess the effects of agriculture, urbanization, deforestation, and water management on malaria. New sources of very-high-resolution satellite imagery and synthetic aperture radar data will increase the precision and frequency of observations. Cloud computing platforms for remote sensing data combined with analysis-ready datasets and high-level data products have made satellite remote sensing more accessible to nonspecialists. Further collaboration between the malaria and remote sensing communities is needed to develop and implement useful geospatial data products that will support global efforts toward malaria control, elimination, and eradication.

Keywords: climate; land use and land cover; malaria; mosquito habitat; remote sensing; spatial decision support systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring* / instrumentation
  • Environmental Monitoring* / methods
  • Humans
  • Malaria / prevention & control*
  • Remote Sensing Technology / instrumentation*
  • Research / trends*
  • Satellite Imagery*