FluViSat benefitsBy enabling flow velocity and discharge data collection from ungauged locations or remote locations, as well as potentially improving the observation of hugely damaging and disruptive overland flows that accompany many major flood events, the method can benefit and complement existing risk reduction and emergency management systems.

Since water flow velocity and discharge estimates are essential to the management of diffuse pollutant fluxes, general water quality monitoring, and water-use for irrigation and recreation, as well as in the modelling and prediction of river morpho-dynamics, the method can benefit environmental regulators and water resource managers.  

Finally, as a feasibility study, this project could provide vital insights into the needs and values of possible future sentinel video missions, but more importantly, it can demonstrate the potential value of satellite video imagery for scientific, societal and commercial activities.   

What is the need for a satellite-based approach?

When a storm is arriving in the Australian Outback and you need to measure flows and discharge in a river 500km away in order to manage water resources downstream, sometimes you find yourself in situations where the only way to make sure you don't get stuck in the mud for hours is to drive fearlessly through a deluge! Mark and his team often find themselves in these situations during the monsoons! Breakneck speeds, with poor visibility..

This is one example of the practical challenges of collecting critical hydrometric data in remote locations. FluViSat is trying to prove the application of satellite video imagery to flow measurements, thus reducing the risk and burden on hydrometric teams worldwide, as they manage our water resources.