Charter Activation Process

The Charter Operational System orchestrates the mobilization of space and associated ground resources during major disasters. This collaborative effort involves a process of data acquisition, interpretation, and delivery to End Users, taking a coordinated approach to disaster relief.

  1. Authorized User (AU):

    • Calls the On-Duty Operator,
    • Submits the User Request Form (URF).

    The AU can also submit requests on behalf of an End User.

  2. A 24-hour On-Duty Operator:

    • Receives the request,
    • Checks the identity of the requestor,
    • Verifies that the User Request Form that has been submitted by the Authorised User, is correctly completed.

  3. Emergency On-Call Officer (ECO):

    • Processes information received from On-Duty Operator.
    • Identifies timeliest and most appropriate satellite resources.
    • Prepares draft plan for data acquisition.
    • Contacts Project Manager and appropriate Charter members.

  4. Charter members:

    Task their satellites according to the ECO’s plan if it is possible to meet the request.

  5. Project Manager (PM):

    • Contacts the Emergency on-Call Officer if required.
    • Obtains further information on requirements.
    • Liaises with the Authorized User with regard to data acquisition planning.
    • Coordinates the delivery of maps from the Value Adding Specialists.
    • Solicits the AU feedback concerning the utility of the Charter for the call.

  6. Value-Adding (VA) Specialist:

    • Further processes and interprets acquired satellite data,
    • Delivers created value added products - maps created from the data and any ground verification - to Authorized User/End User via the Project Manager.

  7. Final products are delivered to the End User.

Additional Information

  • In some circumstances, Co-operating Bodies - organisations with which the Charter members are associated - may also request data in the event of a disaster.

  • A Project Manager, who is qualified in data ordering, handling and application, is assigned by the Executive Secretariat to assist the Authorised User.

  • When the activation is closed - typically within several weeks, depending on the scale of the disaster - the PM compiles a report on the activity, which includes any feedback from the end-user. The Executive Secretariat use these reports to help the continuing evolution of the Charter.

Other Mechanisms

In addition to directly submitting a request to the Charter, other mechanisms are also supported.

Enquiries

New users without direct access to the Charter should address emergency related enquiries to:

executivesecretariat@disasterscharter.org

General enquiries concerning the Charter operations and provisions should be addressed to:

helpdesk@disasterscharter.org