Australia (Commonwealth Union) – Satellite technology has always played an essential role in a variety of technologies. Satellites are most frequently used for observation particularly in difficult to reach areas as well as navigation and communication purposes. A University of Queensland (UQ) study has applied satellites with radar imaging sensors to see via clouds and map flooding and indicate that the procedure may provide faster and greater detailed information to make sure communities are safe.
Professor Noam Levin from UQ’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences stated that the project merged images from optical satellites with information from imaging radar satellites further stating that monitoring floods in towns and cities was difficult, with flood waters often increasing and decreasing in a few days. “While large satellites in the past provided images every 7-14 days, now groups of small satellites can collect several images a day over the same location,” said Professor Levin, adding that “Radar imaging sensors can provide images at night or on days with thick cloud cover – a huge advantage in stormy conditions.”
Brisbane’s February 2022 floods had researchers amalgamate satellite day-time pictures indicating how far the flood had proceeded with imaging radar and optical night-time data of the lights linked to human activity. Professor Levin also stated that they utilized a flash, like on a camera, and the light is emitted at wavelengths between 1mm and 1.0m, that can move through clouds and smoke.
According to Professor Stuart Phinn, who is also from UQ’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the method could play a significant part in protecting Australians when future floods occur. “In combination with existing flood monitoring and modelling technologies, satellites could change the way we monitor major flood events, understand how they occur, and direct emergency and other responses,” he said.
Researchers used optical satellites from Planet Inc. together with the NASA VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) and imaging radar satellites from Capella.
