Laurie Gallagher

MSc Alumni

MSc Geography

Laurie's thesis project evaluated the use of remote sensing to retrieve the optical and geochemical properties of inland and coastal waters. Traditionally, water quality sampling involves in-situ measurements as well as the collection of water samples for subsequent laboratory analysis. These methods are time intensive and expensive and do not provide a spatial or temporal view of water quality. The use of remote sensing provides the potential for less expensive analysis of water quality and allows an evaluation of the spatial and temporal distribution of water components using aircraft-based and/or satellite-based sensors

 

Christiaan Piller

MSc Alumni

MSc Geography

Optical remote detection of surface water quality for open ocean waters has been ongoing since the 1960’s.  This method of detection is much more challenging and not yet standard practice for the more optically complex inland and coastal waters.  My research project dealt with the investigation of the potential application of airborne hyperspectral sensors to detect water quality in the Cowichan watershed, on Vancouver Island, BC.  Lake Cowichan and Cowichan Bay, both apart of the watershed, have been examined as the inlands and coastal water bodies, respectively.