The challenges & opportunities of remote sensing for water resource assessment | David Hamilton & Richard Campbell

It was great to have David Hamilton, Director of the Australian Rivers Institute and co-founder of the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), join us.

Real-time, high-frequency sensors, and sensor networks have been a revolution for environmental monitoring, but they are not necessarily ‘plug and play’. Many sensors require skilled operators who are familiar with sensor interferences and calibration, and the know-how to integrate with conventional monitoring methods.

David addressed how integrating data across various platforms is the key to accurately measuring, understanding, and predicting our inland waters now, and in the future. These platforms may consist of in-situ sensors, grab samplers, and aerial or satellite remote sensors. Each method has pros and cons, which are critical to understand if we are to provide trustworthy, accurate and repeatable measurements.