Towards Synoptic Water Monitoring Systems: A Review of AI Methods for Automating Water Body Detection and Water Quality Monitoring Using Remote Sensing

Sensors (Basel). 2022 Mar 21;22(6):2416. doi: 10.3390/s22062416.

Abstract

Water features (e.g., water quantity and water quality) are one of the most important environmental factors essential to improving climate-change resilience. Remote sensing (RS) technologies empowered by artificial intelligence (AI) have become one of the most demanded strategies to automating water information extraction and thus intelligent monitoring. In this article, we provide a systematic review of the literature that incorporates artificial intelligence and computer vision methods in the water resources sector with a focus on intelligent water body extraction and water quality detection and monitoring through remote sensing. Based on this review, the main challenges of leveraging AI and RS for intelligent water information extraction are discussed, and research priorities are identified. An interactive web application designed to allow readers to intuitively and dynamically review the relevant literature was also developed.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; computer vision; convolutional neural networks; deep learning; machine learning; remote sensing; surface water; surface water extraction; water body detection; water quality monitoring.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Computers
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Remote Sensing Technology
  • Water Quality*