GEOAquaWatch Is Transforming the Global Water Quality Community

A goal of AquaWatch, the Group on Earth Observations water quality Initiative, is to develop and build the global capacity and utility of Earth Observation-derived water quality data, products and information to support effective monitoring, management and decision making for the benefit of society. This presentation updates the water quality community on our 2020 activities and accomplishments in hopes of increasing awareness and garnering additional support and participation. Two areas of focus were a.) Improved quality, analysis, and integration of in situ and remote sensing water quality data; and b.)increased access and capacity to satellite-derived water quality data products and information. Activities specific to the first area of focus include hosting community discussions of Analysis Ready Data (ARD) on the development of ARD specifications for inland and coastal waters, developing an inventory of Inherent Optical Properties; and an algorithm guidance document. Activities specific to the second area of focus include developing a global merged turbidity portal that integrates in situ and remote sensed data sets, participation in the new CEOS COAST initiative including construction of end-to-end demonstration projects, compiling a comprehensive list of available online training resources for satellite product use, and development of a brochure targeting managers currently unfamiliar with using Earth Observation on available satellite-derived products. Coincident with all these activities is the development of a water quality knowledge hub , a web-based resource where a compilation of curated data, products, documentation and tools are accessible and freely open to all in the water community. Participation in GEOAquaWatch by any interested participants is encouraged.