The Space Monitoring Information Centre's computerised satellite technology monitors the situation in the region in real time - particularly the spread of forest fires and the work being done to extinguish them.

The system also evaluates plots of land in terms of mineral deposits, ownership and the potential for construction on that land. The centre has an online connection with similar systems in other Russian regions.

The prime minister approved the centre's work and called on the Federal Space Agency and related services to open the system to the public. "This information should be shared with the regions," he said.

Mr Putin also observed the work going on at the Navigation Centre of the government of the Ryazan Region. Its GLONASS traffic control system monitors and manages various vehicles, including emergency services, in real time. Almost 700 vehicles in the region have GLONASS equipment. The prime minister was shown how the system worked in traffic accidents.