About This Course
This course on Remote Sensing for Water Quality explores how satellite-based observations can be used to monitor water quality in inland and coastal environments. It is designed for practitioners, researchers, and decision-makers seeking to better understand how Earth Observation (EO) data can support environmental monitoring and management.
The course is structured into three concise modules of approximately 20–30 minutes each, making it easy to follow in short, focused sessions. The first module introduces the fundamentals of water quality monitoring and explains how water colour reflects underlying biophysical properties. It also provides the essential concepts needed to understand remote sensing of aquatic systems.
The second module focuses on the transformation of satellite data into meaningful water quality information. Participants are guided through the main processing steps, from atmospheric correction and the derivation of aquatic reflectance to the retrieval of key indicators such as turbidity and chlorophyll-a. Key principles of calibration and validation are also introduced.
The third module addresses the practical interpretation and application of these products. Drawing on UNESCO-supported activities, including case studies from Ukraine and Madagascar, it demonstrates how EO data can be used to support monitoring and reporting efforts.
By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of the full workflow and the potential of EO-based water quality products in real-world applications.
Modules
Part 1 – Foundations of Water Quality Remote Sensing [~30 min]
- Introduction to water quality monitoring
- The colour of water
- Basic principles of remote sensing for aquatic systems
Part 2 – Satellite Data Processing for Water Quality [~20–30 min]
- From satellite imagery to aquatic reflectance
- From reflectance to water quality indicators
- Calibration and validation of water quality products
Part 3 – Applications & UNESCO Use Cases [~20–30 min]
- Interpreting water quality products
- Case study: Ukraine
- Case study: Madagascar
Course Staff
Liesbeth De Keukelaere
Liesbeth De Keukelaere is Lead of Water Applications at VITO and a remote sensing expert with over 12 years of experience in Earth Observation–based water quality monitoring across inland, coastal, and transitional waters. Her work combines research and application, with a focus on optical water quality, including atmospheric correction and the retrieval of indicators such as chlorophyll, suspended sediments, and floating litter, using data from satellite to drone platforms.
She is involved in the development and validation of EO-based methods for water quality monitoring, and contributes to their use in environmental applications. In her role, she provides scientific guidance in the design of water quality products and approaches, working at the interface between science and practical implementation.
