The economic benefits of remote sensing data are largely
from the utilization of data in diverse applications. Free,
open and timely access of satellite data has the potential of
greatly enhancing the use of such data at national, regional
and global levels and their potential for economic and
societal benefits. Such data becomes valuable when they
are transformed into information that could be used for
decision making. Typical examples are, disasters & crisis
management, advisory services to fishermen and farmers,
assessment of forest wealth, crop production forecasts,
ground water targeting, etc. It may be interesting to note that
atmosphere and ocean related satellite data are already open
and free for access and use
