Multiplatform Approach for Monitoring Water Quality in Large Lakes in the Netherlands

The quality of surface water in The Netherlands is currently monitored by measuring an extensive list of different parameters at fixed stations. However, representative spatial patterns of water quality parameters cannot be produced using traditional in-situ sampling techniques. Alternatively, parameters such as the concentration of total chlorophyll or total suspended matter can be measured using airborne and/or space borne optical remote sensing. This paper1 will address the added value of synoptic eutrophication maps to the standard monitoring program of two large, spatially and temporally variable lakes in the Netherlands, Lakes IJssel and Marken. Remote sensing images were obtained from SeaWiFS; and combined with hyperspectral reflectance data from the airborne EPS-a sensor and the shipboard PR-650 spectroradiometer. The PR-650 data were used in selecting the most appropriate algorithms for SeaWiFS and EPS-a. The selected cases showed that both airborne and space borne remote sensing techniques are at least complementary to the traditional monitoring techniques. The accuracy of concentration maps obtained with remote sensing techniques is comparable with the accuracy of maps obtained with the classical monitoring techniques