Space-based Earth observation plays a crucial role in various fields such as disaster mitigation, agriculture, meteorology, and mining, contributing to improved monitoring, risk reduction, and environmental conservation.
New research from Water Research Australia, led by CSIRO, provides a comprehensive summary of the latest literature on the significant advancements in satellite remote sensing and the emerging trends in the topic. The report evaluates existing capabilities and currently available tools, highlighting their impact on the functions of Australian water utilities and agencies. Key trends include improvements in satellite and sensor capabilities, notably in spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions, better access to “analysis ready” satellite data, and advancements in data processing and analytics. When integrated with ground-based sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and models, these advancements offer immense potential for satellite remote sensing to provide timely and insightful observations to water utilities and agencies.
The research focused on various application areas where remote sensing influences water quantity and quality across different scales, from catchments to individual water bodies. The evaluated application areas include:
- catchment monitoring
- water demand estimation methods
- flood monitoring and mapping
- water quality monitoring
- farm dam monitoring
- urbanisation trends
- drought forecasting
- fire spotting
- post-fire water quality impacts
The report also covers the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of these applications. This exclusive report is now available for WaterRA members to download. Stay ahead in the field of satellite remote sensing for water management and discover the environmental benefits it can offer.
For more detailed information and to learn about integrating these advancements into water management processes, download the full report.