How can altimetry data be used for water resources management (SDG 6.5.1)? Development of a method using altimetry data from the Envisat, Jason, Jason 2 and Sentinel 3A satellites

Abstract

Water resources management relies on the use of hydrometric data collected mainly from in situ stations. Despite the efforts made in setting up and maintaining a network of hydrometric and meteorological stations, water resource managers face many problems, such as equipment degradation during floods, incidents of vandalism and issues related to inaccessibility. Satellite data can improve water resources monitoring, regardless of its objectives (strategic management of water resources, management of structures, forecasting of floods and low flows, etc.). These data have the advantage of covering the entire world at regular intervals, including difficult-to-access areas. Through several projects, various scientific and industrial partners (IRD, CNES, CLS, CNRS, CENEAU, etc.) have contributed to assess and enhance the use of satellite data for the management of water resources at the scale of a catchment (e.g. the Amazon) or a territory (Uganda). The objective is to deliver a method based on the combination of hydrological models, in-situ data and satellite data. This article presents the current possibilities and limitations of using satellite data to optimize the monitoring of water resources.