Image processing technology for remote sensing has benefited substantially by the increase in the power of microcomputers over the past five years. This paper uses the development of the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australia) microBRIAN system as an example of how access to image processing methods can contribute to greater acceptance of remote sensing technology for resource management problem solving by non-specialist users. A survey commissioned by the microBRIAN developers has highlighted the need for greater access to the methods of remote sensing analysis, the fulfilment of which could greatly extend the user base and consequently the commercial viability of remote sensing as a general tool for environmental management. This access needs to identify both the applications for which remote sensing may be used and the processing techniques required for particular applications, as well as provide the operational requirements of accuracy indication and the integration of results with other sources and types of data.
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