Following the Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004 , for instance , up-to-date maps could be compiled very quickly using Earth observation satellites . These maps could then be used for orientation during relief missions . DLR conducts these research activities at the German Remote Sensing Data Center ( DFD ) ( German : '' Deutsches Fernerkundungsdatenzentrum '' ) , a DLR institute based in Oberpfaffenhofen . Nowadays , satellite data is also important for climate research : it is used to measure temperatures , levels , particulate matter levels , rainforest deforestation and the radiation conditions of the Earth 's surface ( land , oceans , polar ice )
Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
German Aerospace Center