Improving remote sensing research and education in developing countries: Approaches and recommendations

•Remote sensing is important for developing countries.•Multiple methods of remote sensing technology transfer have been attempted.•Success of technology transfer has been inconsistent.•More efforts should be implemented specific to hardware, software, internet capacity and training.

Since the 1970s, a number of different models have been used to develop basic and applied science capacities of remote sensing in developing countries. Those efforts have had varied levels of success. One of the more effective capacity building efforts is extended training workshops held within the targeted developing country institution with existing resources. The extending training format requires participant teams to complete a remote sensing project for their country in their organization. The basic science activity of developing country scientists was documented by a review of six remote sensing journals which determined that a very small percentage of remote sensing manuscript authors are from developing countries. Many developing countries have established internal remote sensing capacities but many others have not. Given the potential importance of remote sensing for natural resource assessment and monitoring as well as economic decision making, more attention must be given to assisting those countries in hardware, software, internet capacity and technical assistance.