Modern Data Types For Environmental Monitoring And Water Resources Management

Abstract

In the field of water resources management, we observe presently a significant change of philosophy. The introduction of the principle of sustainable development by the United Nations and the principle of integrated river basin management postulated by the European Union play a major role in this context. Thus, new planning tools have to be developed, which are more sophisticated than those hitherto and, therefore, require a much better data basis than presently available. This paper deals with new data types partly available already now and partly expected to be developed in the medium range future. Furthermore, it is shown how the integration of remote sensing and other data leads to new types of information, allowing integrated planning of water resources systems in a more suitable way. The potential of real time data is highlighted, particularly in the context of real time operation of water resources systems, especially for flood control in rural and urban areas. Also, the potential of large-scale data schemes in the context of regional and even continental water management schemes is discussed.