Remote sensing: Latest developments and uses

This paper considers currently available airborne and satellite-derived data suitable for monitoring coastal and river zones, and the potential offered by geographical information systems to manage this information. The main advantage of satellite data is the relatively low cost of acquisition over broad areas at regular intervals in time. Examples are (a) LANDSAT thematic mapper data and 'satellite pour l'observation de la terre' multispectral and panchromatic imagery which provide high resolution imagery for land-use mapping and bathymetric analysis, (b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's advanced very high resolution radiometer which provides a synoptic view of sea surface temperature and meteorological conditions, and (c) European remote sensing satellites whose array of sensors provide information on wave characteristics and wind speed and direction. In the field of geographical information systems, the challenge is to create systems which can both store the large quantity of data available and incorporate models which can predict the effects of change to the environment.