International Journal of Water Resources Engineering

Utilizing Remote Sensing and GIS for Water Quality Monitoring

  1. Yamini N. Deshvena
  2. Raju Ramrao Kulkarni

Abstract

The integration of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offers a sophisticated approach for monitoring and safeguarding water quality. This review examines how remote sensing technologies and GIS can be combined to observe key water quality indicators, such as turbidity, chlorophyll levels, and surface temperature. Remote sensing provides comprehensive, real-time data, which, when analyzed using GIS, enables detailed spatial examination and visualization of water quality patterns. This synergy enhances the identification and management of pollution sources, supports informed decision-making, and promotes sustainable water resource management. Remote sensing involves the use of satellite or aerial imagery to collect data over extensive geographic areas. This technology is capable of detecting changes in water bodies, such as sediment plumes, algal blooms, and thermal pollution, by capturing variations in light reflectance and temperature. Multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, for example, can measure chlorophyll concentration, an indicator of algal blooms that can impact water quality and aquatic life. GIS, meanwhile, serves as a powerful tool for mapping and analyzing spatial data. It allows the integration of diverse datasets, including those from remote sensing, ground-based observations, and historical records. This integration facilitates the creation of detailed maps and models that highlight areas of concern, track changes over time, and predict future trends. This review highlights the advancements in remote sensing technologies and GIS applications in water quality monitoring. It discusses various case studies and research findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in different environmental settings. The review also explores the challenges and limitations of current methods, proposing future directions for research and development to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of water quality monitoring systems. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying gaps in the literature, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of integrating remote sensing and GIS for water quality monitoring. The findings underscore the importance of continued innovation and collaboration between remote sensing experts, GIS specialists, and environmental scientists to develop more robust and reliable water quality management strategies.

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