The research and application of disaster remote sensing in China has achieved fruitful results given the deepening disaster system theory and the rapid development of remote sensing technology. On the basis of disaster system theory

this study comprehensively summarizes the research progress of disaster remote sensing theory from the aspects of the three-dimensional "space-air-ground" disaster monitoring system

disaster element classification system

disaster remote sensing service system

and standard and specification construction. The methods for the remote sensing monitoring and assessment of disasters are also analyzed. The significant issues in application research and existing problems are discussed. The three stages of the development of China’s disaster remote sensing system are then introduced. The system architecture of the operational system of disaster remote sensing is proposed on the basis of application needs. The business application mode is described according to the disaster remote sensing monitoring of daily business

emergency monitoring business

and major natural disaster damage assessment. Moreover

the business application development level is evaluated in terms of timeliness

evaluation accuracy

and business process. Finally

opportunities and challenges faced by the current disaster remote sensing research and applications are analyzed. Some suggestions

such as strengthening the research on disaster remote sensing mechanism

accelerating the space infrastructure construction for disaster prevention

strengthening the research on disaster monitoring and assessment methods

enhancing the comprehensive service capability using disaster spatial information

and strengthening soft environment construction

are suggested for future development.