Summer 2024 • Issue 22

Remote‑Sensing

Published August 2024

This issue explores on Remote Sensing explores how these technologies are transforming Great Lakes research and management. It highlights the use of satellites, drones, and high-frequency radar for tasks ranging from forecasting harmful algal blooms and monitoring coastal changes to improving maritime safety in the Straits of Mackinac. The content also features a collaborative project blending Indigenous knowledge with sensor networks to protect manoomin (wild rice) and discusses efforts to build remote sensing capacity for monitoring African Great Lakes.

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Features

Emerging technologies for remote sensing of the Great Lakes

An overview of remote sensing technologies, from satellites to drones, that are transforming the monitoring of harmful algal blooms, ice coverage, and oil spills in the Great Lakes.

Improving safety in the Straits of Mackinac with high-frequency radar

High-frequency radar technology provides real-time data on surface currents in the Straits of Mackinac, enhancing maritime safety and environmental monitoring for the region.

A research jiimaan

A metaphorical "birch bark canoe" research framework that integrates Indigenous Knowledge and Western science to protect manoomin (wild rice) and build climate resilience in the Great Lakes.

Departments

Research Brief

Satellite Earth observations to monitor lake health

Capacity-building workshops in East Africa are training the next generation of experts to use satellite remote sensing for monitoring water quality and supporting the blue economy in Lake Victoria.

Research Brief

Satellite images and coastal changes after historic water level increase

High-resolution satellite imagery reveals significant shoreline retreat and erosion in Lake Michigan following historic water level increases, informing coastal management strategies.

Research Brief

Satellite data for monitoring phytoplankton abundance and phenology in deep lakes

A study validating satellite data for monitoring phytoplankton in Lake Geneva, demonstrating the potential for long-term phenology analysis in deep lakes.

Research Brief

Plane-mounted hyperspectral cameras help forecast harmful algal blooms

NOAA GLERL uses plane-mounted hyperspectral cameras to monitor and forecast harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes, providing critical data for drinking water safety.