Vietnam will publish remote sensing data in various media, including the internet, upon the approval of a draft regulation on remote sensing data management being reviewed by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai.

The data includes satellite photos, said Le Minh Son, deputy director of the Remote Sensing Centre under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

"From the photographs, we can create maps and diagrams which can be used in geological and mineral research," said Son.

The data could also be used for development plans, research, national security and disaster relief plans, he said.

Under the draft regulation, remote sensing data would be collected annually in response to requests from ministries or provincial People's Committees and would be archived in physical and electronic forms. Remote data sensing reports would be published on the national remote sensing data management agency's website.

"This is the first time national remote sensing data would be provided on multiple media platforms," Son said. "This will help us save a lot of money from the State budget because remote sensing centres can share photographs and information electronically and avoid duplication of efforts."/.