Water, Property Rights, and Security: What Role for Remote Sensing in the Next Decade?

This paper presents likely high-priority issues in water management to provide a broad context in which to anticipate and understand future water challenges and the potential role of earth science information -- from the unique vantage point of space -- in meeting these challenges. The highest priority issues include measuring water quantity; monitoring trading of water rights; assessing the effects of population growth on urban and coastal water supplies; managing water as a source of political and military conflict; and meeting requirements for national security. Our findings are based on detailed discussions with state and local water managers and experts from US and international organizations.