Data, and its timely delivery, presents one of the major constraints in advancing the hydrological sciences. Traditional monitoring techniques are time consuming, expensive, and discontinuous in space and time. Moreover, field observations are influenced by instrumental degradation and human errors. While providing the foundation upon which much of our hydrological knowledge is based, new observational strategies are required to drive further understanding and insights. Recent advances in earth observation (EO) technologies present a new frontier for hydrologic monitoring and process description.

Figure: UAS derived 3D dense point cloud, (B) mesh model, and (C) tiled model derived from a UAS based survey of an earthen dam next to the village of Pischia (Timisoara, Romania). Such data provide the framework for development of high-resolution flood modeling, urban watershed mapping and civil engineering design and map updating.

How to cite: Manfreda, S., M.F. McCabe. Emerging earth observing platforms offer new insights into hydrological processesHydrolink, 1, 8-9, 2019.  [pdf]

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