Application of water resources through use of remote sensing and geographic information system

107-113Water is one of the most precious gifts of nature to living beings. Water resources are essential for human life, agriculture and hydroelectric power generation. On account of erratic distribution of rainfall both in time and space, the country is subjected to cycles of floods and droughts. With the increase in demand for water for various purposes and to mitigate the twin problems of floods and droughts faced by the country, a coordinated approach for optimum utilization and proper management of these precious resources are of prime importance. Surveying and mapping is basic to effective water management. Use of traditional methods, such as topographical mapping and aerial photography are time consuming and having several limitations. In the recent years, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System techniques are being used as modern technique. Remote sensing systems are used to collect and analyze information about resources and environment over large areas in a very less time interval. In the last twenty years, Remote Sensing Satellites of different capabilities have been established and with the help of these satellites, remote sensing data are being received at a regular interval. With the analysis of these data several land use/ land cover maps can be prepared. But the available remote sensing data are not sufficient for using different models and other techniques for optimum utilization of water resources. Geographic information system is one of the modern techniques for the use of these available remote sensing data. Remote Sensing and GIS techniques are being used mostly for different areas of water resource management e.g., land use/land cover mapping, flood plain mapping, watershed mapping and watershed management, command area study, snow cover mapping, reservoir sedimentation, water quality study. The present paper deals with the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques for the application of water resources.