Infrared Imaging for Water Resources Studies

With the easing of security restrictions, increasing attention has been given to the applicability of infrared remote sensing in water resources studies. Infrared scanning systems provide a pictorial display of the infrared energy emitted by terrain features. Geometric distortions are usually present in the imagery, but are of minor consequence in the interpretation. Recent applications include studies of the interaction of river and sea water and attendant current patterns in a tidal estuary, and current patterns and pollution studies in the Great Lakes. The informational content of the infrared imagery can be improved for special purposes through various enhancement techniques, including variable detector-filter configurations, provision for manual gain control, signal differentiation, and development of a calibrated line-scan imaging system.