Copernicus Emergency Management Service: On-Demand Mapping
The European Union's emergency mapping service turns satellite images into maps for disaster teams; operational 24/7 since 2012 and activated more than 1,000 times (Copernicus EMS).
Image: NASA (ISS073-E-0420617, Aug. 3, 2025).
Last reviewed: 4 sources cited
Explain Like I'm 10
- When a disaster happens, helpers need to know which roads and houses are damaged.
- Copernicus EMS uses satellite pictures to draw those maps quickly.
- It works day and night and has helped more than 120 countries.
The Five W's of Copernicus EMS
Who
The On-Demand Mapping part of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, run under the European Union's Copernicus programme.
What
Rapid Mapping right after a disaster, plus Risk and Recovery Mapping for preparing and rebuilding, all made from satellite images.
When
Operational 24/7 since 2012 without service disruptions, and activated more than 1,000 times.
Where
It has supported every EU Member State and over 120 countries worldwide.
Why
Satellite maps help emergency teams respond, prepare and recover when floods, fires or earthquakes strike.
Impact Statement
Agency solution · active
Copernicus EMS On-Demand Mapping has been activated more than 1,000 times and has reached over 120 countries (Copernicus EMS).
Source: Copernicus EMS On-Demand Mapping, statistics
For Further Information: Copernicus EMS On-Demand Mapping, statistics
The mapping service has run 24/7 since 2012 without a single service disruption (Copernicus EMS).
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
Its maps assist emergency response, preparedness and recovery for communities hit by disasters (Copernicus EMS).
Source: Copernicus EMS On-Demand Mapping, statistics
For Nature
Beyond emergencies, Risk and Recovery Mapping supports preparedness and recovery of affected areas (Copernicus EMS).
Get Involved With Copernicus EMS
Want to go deeper? Copernicus EMS has the full Copernicus EMS story.
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Help This Work
This is a public mission, so there is nothing to donate. You can explore its free data or join a citizen science project.