Remote Sensing Techniques to Assess Water Quality

TLDR

Remote sensing—via optical and thermal sensors on boats, aircraft, and satellites—provides spatial and temporal measurements of water quality parameters such as turbidity, chlorophyll, and temperature, and with forthcoming high‑resolution satellites and integration with GPS/GIS, it supports the creation of permanent, geographically referenced databases for monitoring and management. The integrated use of remotely sensed data, GPS, and GIS will enable consultants and natural resource managers to develop management plans for a variety of natural resource management applications.

Abstract

Remote sensing techniques can be used to monitor water quality parameters (i.e., suspended sediments (turbidity), chlorophyll, and temperature). Optical and thermal sensors on boats, aircraft, and satellites provide both spatial and temporal information needed to monitor changes in water quality parameters for developing management practices to improve water quality. Recent and planned launches of satellites with improved spectral and spatial resolution sensors should lead to greater use of remote sensing techniques to assess and monitor water quality parameters. Integration of remotely sensed data, GPS, and GIS technologies provides a valuable tool for monitoring and assessing waterways. Remotely sensed data can be used to create a permanent geographically located database to provide a baseline for future comparisons. The integrated use of remotely sensed data, GPS, and GIS will enable consultants and natural resource managers to develop management plans for a variety of natural resource management applications.