Iranian Journal of Public Policy

Iranian Journal of Public Policy

Applications of Satellite Remote Sensing Technology in Public Policy-Making Process and Decision-Making Based on The Anderson Model

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Mohammad Rastegarfar 1
Yahya Kamali 2
1 Master of Public Policy, Faculty of Law and Theology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman (SBUK), Kerman, Iran
2 Professor of Public Policy, Faculty of Law and Theology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman (SBUK), Kerman, Iran
10.22059/jppolicy.2026.413076.2877
Abstract
The role of satellite-based remote sensing technologies in policy-making and decision-making has not yet received adequate attention from policymakers and administrators, particularly in Iran. Therefore, the present study aims to highlight the applications of these modern technologies as a strategic knowledge tool to enhance the qualitative and quantitative precision of infrastructural policy-making. This research adopts a qualitative approach, employing thematic analysis along with open and axial coding. The study examines and analyzes research articles, academic books, institutional reports, and content published on the websites of various national and international space organizations. Anderson's theoretical framework was also used to analyze the policy-making process. The analysis reveals that data obtained from remote sensing satellites, including optical, thermal, and radar sensors, have extensive applications in identifying crises, challenges, and fundamental issues. The integration of satellite-derived data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) plays an influential role in data-driven and evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation aimed at addressing infrastructural challenges in the country. Utilizing scientific findings from geomatics disciplines and outputs of remote sensing satellite data in infrastructural policy-making can enhance the quality of governance and policy development within the country. Finally, several policy recommendations are proposed for academic managers, policy professors, and researchers in the field of public policy.
Keywords
Public Policy Making
Remote Sensing
GIS
Science and Technology
Satellite
Decision Making
1. Ahn, J. W., Yi, M. S., and Shin, D. B. (2013). Study for spatial big data concept and system building. Spatial Information Research, 21(5), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.12672/ksis.2013.21.5.043
2. Aliha, M., Shahebrahimi, S. S., and Bonyadi Naeini, A. (2021). Identifying the factors affecting the transfer and development of space technology in Iran. Innovation Management Journal, 10(2), 1–24. [In Persian]
3. Allaghebandhosseini, Y., and Aminzadeh, E. (2017). The Role of Policy-Making in the Exploration and Exploitation of Outer Space. Quarterly Journal of Macro and Strategic Policies, 5(18), 159–179. [In Persian]
4. Amighpey, M., and Arabi, S. (2024). Studying Land Subsidence in Iran Caused by Groundwater Over Extraction by Preparing the Comprehensive Subsidence Map of the Country. Iran-Water Resources Research, 19(5), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.22034/iwrr.2023.186215 [In Persian]
5. Anderson, J. A. (1974). Public Policy Making. New York: Prager.
6. Araei, V. (2022). Analysis and critique of instrumental rationality in public policy with emphasis on Islamic rationality. Soft Power Studies, 12(2), 71–90. [In Persian]
7. Bazargan, M., Bas Leezenberg, P., and Kovscek, A. R. (2020). In-situ combustion front monitoring and tracking using InSAR. The Leading Edge, 39(4), 272–278. https://doi.org/10.1190/tle39040272.1
8. Bürgmann, R., & Thatcher, W. (2013). Space geodesy: A revolution in crustal deformation measurements of tectonic processes. In M. E. Bickford (Ed.), The Web of Geological Sciences: Advances, Impacts, and Interactions (pp. 397–430). Geological Society of America. https://doi.org/10.1130/2013.2500(12)
9. Chinnaswamy, A., Papa, A., Dezi, L., & Mattiacci, A. (2018). Big data visualisation, geographic information systems and decision making in healthcare management. Management Decision. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD07-2018-0835
10. Choi, J. B., Jung, Y. G., Joo, T. H., Kim, J. H., and Lee, W. (2019). Research on technology development of spatial big data service platform. Proceedings of the 2019 Korean Society for Geospatial Information Science, Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 1, pp. 71–72.
11. Coletta, Damon V., and Pilch, Frances T. (2009). Space and Defense Policy. London: Routledge Publications. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4584773
12. Coletta, Damon, et al. (2014). Space and Defense Policy. Translated by Amir Tavakkoli Kashi. Tehran: Defense Industries Education and Research Institute, Space Affairs Office. [In Persian]
13. De Leeuw, J., Georgiadou, Y., Kerle, N., De Gier, A., Inoue, Y., Ferwerda, J., Smies, M., & Narantuya, D. (2010). The Function of Remote Sensing in Support of Environmental Policy. Remote Sensing, 2(7), 1731–1750. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs2071731
14. Dehghani, M. (2016). Landslide Monitoring Using Hybrid Conventional and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry. J Indian Soc Remote Sens, 44, 505–513. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-015-0536-3
15. Dehghani, M., & Javadi, H. R. (2013). Remote sensing of ground deformation. SPIE Newsroom, Nov., 2–5. Retrieved Mar 18, 2013 from https://www.spie.org/news/4772-remote-sensing-of-ground-deformation
16. Farmani, S. (2021). Introduction to the Decision-Making Process and Types of Decision-Making Models. Tehran: Azarian Mehr Publications. [In Persian]
17. Hays, P., Vallance, B. J., & Van Tassel, A. R. (Eds.). (1996). American Defense Policy (7th ed.). Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
18. Hitchings, S. (2003). Policy Assessment of the Impacts of Remote-Sensing Technology. Space Policy, 19(2), 119–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0265-9646(03)00017-1
19. Isabelle Sourbès-Verger. (2021). A Research Agenda for Space Policy. Elgar Online. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800374744.00017
20. Iryna, L., Larysa, S., Konstyantyn, B., & Viktoriia, T. (2020). Public Policy and Space Activities: Conceptual Approaches. Journal of Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Issues, 23(2). https://www.abacademies.org/articles/public-policy-and-space-activities-conceptual-approaches-9130.html
21. Kamali, Y. (2022). Basics of Research Method with a View to Public Policy. Kerman: Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman Publications. [In Persian]
22. Kamali, Y. (2023). Evaluation and Application of Public Policy Theories. Kerman: Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman Publications. [In Persian]
23. Kazemi, H., and Golro, A. A. (2017). Role of States in Regulating Space Activities in International Law. Journal of Space Science and Technology, 9(4), 27–37. [In Persian]
24. Kharabaf, A. (2014). A Look at One of the Most Important Tasks of the National Space Center: The Necessity of Space Policymaking. Science and Culture News Agency. Retrieved Feb 10, 2014, from https://sinapress.ir/news/1649 [In Persian]
25. Kim, T. (2023). Introduction to Development of Comprehensive Land Management Technology Using Satellite Image Information Big Data. Korean Journal of Remote Sensing, 39(5‑4), 1069–1073. https://doi.org/10.7780/kjrs.2023.39.5.4.1
26. Kosari, A., Khatoonabadi, E., Kazemi, A., Amjadifard, R., & Bohlouri, V. (2023). The Effects of Space Weather on Economic Processes and Human Civilization Infrastructures. Space Science, Technology and Applications, 3(1), 123–144. https://doi.org/10.22034/jssta.2023.385587.1111 [In Persian]
27. Lasswell, H. D. (1971). A Pre‑View of Policy Sciences. New York: American Elsevier Publishing Co.
28. Lee, H. J. (2022). Issue Report – Current Status of Satellite Industry and Support Strategies by Country (Vol. 2022‑Issue‑10). Export‑Import Bank of Korea, Overseas Economic Research Institute. https://keri.koreaexim.go.kr/HPHFOE052M01/101246
29. Lee, J. H., and Yoon, S. H. (2020). Construction of Spatial Information Big Data for Urban Thermal Environment Analysis. Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design, 36(5), 53–58. https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK_PD.2020.36.5.53
30. Lee, M. H., Kim, B. H., Park, S., & An, J. T. (2024). National Spatial Data Policy and Remote Sensing: Technological Advancements, Policy Implications, and Future Prospects. Korean Journal of Remote Sensing, 40(5), 753–767. https://doi.org/10.7780/kjrs.2024.40.5.2.6
31. Liao, Shu-Hsien. (2005). Will China Become a Military Space Superpower? Space Policy, 21(3), 205–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2005.05.009
32. Majlis Research Center (2010). Studying the Status of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Information Systems in Iran. Retrieved Sept 26, 2010, from https://rc.majlis.ir/fa/news/show/781568 [In Persian]
33. Majlis Research Center (n.d.). Law on the Establishment of the Iranian Remote Sensing Center. Retrieved from https://rc.majlis.ir/fa/law/show/91955 [In Persian]
34. Mobasheri, M. R. (2006). Fundamentals of Physics in Remote Sensing and Satellite Technology. Tehran: Khajeh Nasir al-Din Toosi University of Technology Publications. [In Persian]
35. NASA. (2013). NASA Socio‑Economic Impacts. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/SEINSI.pdf
36. Pirouz, B., and Peykazar, M. (2024). The Importance of Political Economy of Space Technology. Political and International Approaches, 16(4), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.48308/piaj.2024.236526.1568 [In Persian]
37. Rao, Mukund, & Murthi, K. R. Sridhara. (2006). Keeping Up with Remote Sensing and GI Advances: Policy and Legal Perspectives. Space Policy, 22(4), 262–273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2006.09.001
38. Singh, R. B., Kumar, M., & Tripathi, D. K. (2022). Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems for Policy Decision Support. Singapore: Springer Nature.
39. Smith, R., & Knight, R. (2019). Modeling Land Subsidence Using InSAR and Airborne Electromagnetic Data. Water Resources Research, 55(4), 2801–2819. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018WR024185
40. Soheilifar, M. R. (2010). Radar. Tehran: Aylar Publications. [In Persian]
41. UK Space Agency. (2020). Space for Policy in Developing Countries. Retrieved from https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/909585/UK_Space_Agency_IPP_Space_for_Policy_final_AW_Web.pdf
42. Vahid, M. (2016). Public Policy. Tehran: Mizan Publications. [In Persian]
43. Yarmohammad Touski, M., Dehghani, M., & Veiskarami, M. (2023). Monitoring and Modeling of a Landslide in Kahroud, Iran, by InSAR Measurements and Slope Stability Analysis. Nat Hazards, 117, 2249–2268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-023-05941-y
Iranian Journal of Public Policy
Volume 12, Issue 3
Autumn 2026
Pages 309-323