Contribution of international organisation to the development of space law: The International Law Association

MAUREEN WILLIAMS

Viena

Conferencia; 47th Session of the UN Legal Subcommittee of Copuos; 2008

ABSTRACT The Committee was especially involved in the analysis of important applications of satellite data today, particularly its value as evidence in court, an issue which merits separate treatment. Satellite data in international and national litigation The ILA Committee considers that solutions are needed as the current situation runs counter to the use of satellite imagery in court, particularly in boundary disputes where the precision of space technologies is essential. General remarks Raw data, in this initial stage, cannot be modified. The issue is really the manipulation of digital data as outcome of a long chain of interpretations once the raw data is collected by the satellite. This is particularly sensitive where boundary disputes are concerned, involving sovereignty questions over land and waters. A number of recent cases decided by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and other international arbitrations, clearly illustrate the major issues involved [1]. [1] See ILA Report of the 72nd Conference, Toronto 2006, Space Law chapter, pp. 693-730, at pp.714-715 and Working Session, pp.730-740. The question was initially raised at the New Delhi (2002) and Berlin (2004) Conferences of the ILA. See Report of the Seventieth Conference, Space Law chapter, pp. 192-215, at p. 212, and Working Session,  pp. 216-227, and Report of the Seventy-First Conference, Space Law chapter, pp. 733-759, at pp. 748-751, and Working Session, pp.760-772. The problem was outlined by the ILA Committee Chair on the basis of a study carried out in 2001 by the British Institute of International & Comparative Law (BIICL, London) which set up a study group of lawyers and experts in the interpretation of satellite data and digital mapping to share their experiences in this field. The group produced a report on the matter which was submitted to the Annual Conference of the BIICL on 22 June 2001 and extensively discussed on the occasion.