The session is intended as a forum of information and discussion to contribute to a higher acceptance of remote sensing applications as a useful tool in water resources management and thus welcomes all hydrologists, hydrologic modellers and water resources managers and researchers to gather related information about up-to-date developments in remote sensing.
The application of remote sensing is termed operational if at least one of two conditions are met: (a) the application produces an output on a regular basis, or (b) the remote sensing data are used on a continuous basis as part of a procedure to problem solving or decision making.

The manifold impacts of a rapidly changing environment are increasingly pressuring sensitive water resources and require advanced monitoring approaches to develop sound water management practices. The manifold impacts of a rapidly changing environment require advanced monitoring approaches to develop sound water management practices. It is generally acknowledged that remote sensing observations can contribute to the knowledge of the spatial and temporal variations of hydrological quantities. Although major advances have been made on an experimental level, the use of remote sensing information in operational hydrology and water resources management has long been relatively limited due to a lack of observation frequency or missing opportunities for suitable sensor synergies. In the recent past new platforms, sensors and application techniques have been and are being developed (e.g. in the fields of laser scanning, hyperspectral imaging or air- and spaceborne radar systems) to give hydrologists and water resources managers new data and new views for a better understanding of hydrological processes in the landscape.
The session solicits contributions that either (i) demonstrate ongoing operational remote sensing applications or (ii) clearly show a strong potential for operationalisation in hydrology and water resources management.

(Solicited people: W. Wagner, ww@ipf.tuwien.ac.at)