Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory
The University of Minnesota’s Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Laboratory is conducting research on monitoring water quality of lakes and rivers and mapping land cover with digital mages from earth-observing satellites at local, state and regional scales. We have measured lake clarity, a key indicator of water quality, on more than 10,000 lakes statewide using Landsat imagery for seven time periods since 1975. Our current research is focused on using newly available enhanced satellite imagery to measure other key metrics of water quality, including chlorophyll, suspended solids, and colored dissolved organic matter. The satellite technology provides a cost effective way to acquire information, including temporal trends and geographic patterns, on lakes, rivers and wetlands.