Satellite inspired hydrology in an uncertain future: a H SAF and HEPEX workshop

Many global initiatives launched in recent years by the international community, such as the SDG (especially SDG-6 water and sanitation) and WMO’s WHOS, HydroSOS and others have highlighted the growing need for reliable hydrological data. However the outcomes of recent survey carried out by WMO and WB indicate that particularly in low and middle-income countries, Hydrological Services are unable to respond to this growing demand for accessible, quality assured, and timely information on the availability, distribution and trends of water resources. Among the various causes obsolescent ground based hydrometeorological monitoring networks and their insufficient maintenance play a major role in restricting the availability of data. While the ground truth provided by these observations remains a central element of the hydrological monitoring, it is necessary to complement and expand the availability of data and information by leveraging new technologies and international data resources. However only a few NMHSs are effectively using the opportunities offered by satellite information and other new sources of information. Interactions between WMO hydrology and satellite community should be coordinated in a well-defined framework to provide user tailored information and services.