Remote sensing data and information for hydrological monitoring and modeling

Remote sensing data and information have shown great potential in supplying relevant spatial data and parameters at the appropriate scale for use in distributed hydrological models for water resource applications. In contrast with many conventional data normally given as point measurements, remote sensing-based measurements are spatial averages over pixels, which can be more appropriate for use in distributed hydrological models. Furthermore, remote sensing enables data access from remote areas, where data are typically sparse. Remote sensing technology used electromagnetic spectrum in the range of wavelengths of different radiations reflected or emitted by objects. Although remote sensing spectrum varies from 0.03 nm to 100 cm, VIS, IR, and MW spectra are commonly used in the retrieval of hydrological parameters.