ABSTRACT
Remote sensing science and technologies using space-based and airborne sensor systems have profoundly changed the practice of environmental monitoring and understanding of the dynamics of estuarine and coastal environments. This entry summarizes the types of remote sensors used to monitor coastal and estuarine waters. In this entry, comparisons are presented of the scanning systems used in ocean color remote sensing to collect radiance and reflectance data. The current suite of spaced-based as well as examples of aircraft-based scanning systems is presented. The entry concludes with a discussion of the challenges that the scientific and environmental communities face when incorporating remotely sensed data into monitoring strategies within the framework of the environmental laws and regulations.
