FluViSat - UK CEH

FluViSat is a proof-of-concept project that explores how satellite data and high-quality imagery can be used to measure water movement and river flows more accurately and quickly.
The project was funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and led by our OWV partner, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, in collaboration with RSS-Hydro (Luxembourg) and the Queensland Government (Australia).

By comparing water speed measurements from satellite data with results from low-altitude aerial drones and boat-mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) during high-flow events, the project has shown:

• the potential of satellite-based surface velocimetry in river monitoring,
• the value of innovative Earth Observation techniques for managing water resources and flood risks worldwide.

The FluViSat validation concept. Satellite video was compared to aerial drone and ADCP derived results (© Nick Everard, UKCEH).

These methods could bring major benefits for water managers, regulators, and disaster risk specialists, by improving the observation of river discharge for water resources and flooding as well as  damaging overland flows that can accompany major floods.

Learn more about the project:
FluViSat – UKCEH
FluViSat – ESA EO4Society
Preprint