Remote Sensing and GIS Applications in Water Resources Development - An Overview

摘要

The synoptic large area repetitive coverage provided by satellite sensors when integrated with detailed time series information coming from ground sensors can provide appropriate data base which would lead to sustainable water resources development. Remote sensing techniques have to be effectively used to replace, complement and supplement ground data collection in various facets water resources development. Space technology inputs have been particularly successful in the areas of water resources assessment including ground water targeting, investigation and planning of water resources projects, flood monitoring and management, irrigation water management and particularly for the vital area of environmental impacts assessment of river valley projects. However, remote sensing should not be considered as the panacea for all water resources problems. This article provides an overview of application of remote sensing and GIS techniques in various phases of assessment, management of environmental impacts as well as in various other phases of planning and implementation of water resources projects either independently or in association with conventional methods. Several case studies of successful application of remote sensing techniques in the water resources projects are also presented in the article.