Although the applicability of satellite-based remote sensing in water monitoring is scientifically well proven for individual cases, a broad systematic investigation on the suitability of the methodology for regulatory water quality monitoring and water area extent is missing. In the lighthouse project "Erfassung der Wasserqualität und Wasserflächenausdedehnung von Binnengewässern durch Fernerkundung (BIGFE)", funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) as part of the Copernicus initiative, satellite products freely available from the European COPERNICUS satellite programme are therefore to be processed, harmonised and validated for a selection of approx. 100 lakes and reservoirs as well as individual watercourse areas in the lower reaches of large rivers using various existing methods and scientifically evaluated with regard to their quality. The further development of the WaterMaskAnalyzer (WMA) is used to measure flood areas and to record the water level fluctuations of standing waters.

The principles developed for the informative value, uncertainty and reliability of the remote sensing products provide the basis for an appropriate implementation of remote sensing in official monitoring. In addition to this characterisation of the applicability, targeted training workshops and adapted practical tools are also necessary for the implementation. For this purpose, a close cooperation with SMEs from the remote sensing sector is integrated in the project.

BIGFE is a research network of four project partners and 12 associated state authorities in Germany, coordinated by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ and accompanied by a project advisory board.