This study was prepared by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), to support its efforts at improving awareness about innovative tools for poverty alleviation in the Asia-Pacific region. The study paper was discussed at ESCAP's ad hoc Expert Group Meeting on the Use of Space Technology Applications in Poverty Alleviation, held in Bangkok on 21-22 August 2003. The recommendations of the ad hoc Expert Group Meeting are included in this study report.