Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data will allow them to develop more accurate models of the global circulation of the atmosphere. Mapping of the world's rainforests is an essential ingredient in global protection of Earth in the next century. Another avenue of investigation during the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission will focus on radar-imaging of fragile habitats, such as Earth's tropical forests, to assess vegetation types and determine terrain characteristics. Combined with data from other remote sensing satellites, three-dimensional data of landforms, waterways, and other types of vegetation will contribute to their understanding of a region's overall health. Communities nestled near the bases of active volcanoes or on earthquake faults will be of interest to volcanologists and seismologists as well.
Scientists can use three-dimensional topographic maps to study the potential of natural hazards.
In addition to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, regions prone to severe flooding by major rivers will be of interest. Radar imaging will be used as a tool for city planners, land management, and resource conservation, efforts which require highly detailed topographic maps for monitoring land use patterns. Spaceborne radar imaging systems can clearly detect the variety of landscapes in an area, as well as the density of urban development. Some of the commercial products that will be possible using Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data will benefit the transportation industry, as well as the communications and information technologies markets. In telecommunications, wireless service providers and operators will be particularly interested in this digital elevation data.