Using Satellite Imagery to Build Water Resilience Across Europe
- Zuzana Hajkova, Content Marketing Coordinator, EUSI
- 28 April, 2025
Water across Europe is facing severe pressure. Climate change, urbanisation, agricultural demands and other sources of pollution are threatening water security and creating critical challenges that need to be addressed. We have to act quickly, build stronger systems and create sustainable water resilience practices – so that both natural ecosystems and human communities can thrive. Here is how satellite imagery from EUSI can help.
Why water resilience matters now
European water systems are increasingly stressed by multiple factors. Climate change brings more frequent extreme weather events, and growing urban populations demand more resources. Agricultural expansion and intensification put additional pressure on water supplies, and biodiversity loss affects natural water regulation systems.
These challenges require modern monitoring approaches that can work at scale and provide precise information at the same time. Satellite imagery stands out as particularly powerful and cost-effective for water management – it can cover large geographic areas in a matter of minutes, deliver consistent data in near-real time, and provide details about water pollution, vegetation health, or the state of infrastructure. All of that while being more cost-efficient than ground surveys.
By integrating Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery into water governance frameworks, EU policymakers can strengthen the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, develop precise water quality assessments, and create effective early warning systems – all essential components for creating a water-resilient Europe that protects both communities and natural resources.
Satellites are cost-efficient because they can map large areas within minutes.
Biodiversity monitoring and river restoration
Rivers face significant threats from physical alterations like dams and artificial channels that destroy natural habitats. To maintain biodiversity and ensure the health of freshwater environments, it’s necessary to focus on restoring these ecosystems. The EU therefore aims to substantially increase river restoration efforts by 2030 in line with the Water Framework Directive objectives.
Monitoring biodiversity with VHR satellite imagery © 2025 Maxar Technologies provided by European Space Imaging
Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery at 15–50 cm helps achieve and monitor biodiversity goals because it shows details like individual trees, vegetation health, small water bodies, or migration corridors for wildlife species. There are several daily opportunities for new satellite collections, and an extensive archive of satellite images dating all the way back to 1999 which enables consistent and accurate monitoring of ecosystems across Europe.
Flood Regulation: Prevention and Response
Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events in Europe, including devastating floods. Regions therefore need effective, sustainable and affordable solutions for flood regulation. One of these solutions is remote sensing technology. Satellite images and products created from them help rescuers save lives when disasters strike, assist with damage assessments, and in many cases contribute to successfully preventing and predicting emergencies. How?
Satellite images for flood prediction and prevention
- Multispectral satellite images are used to conduct analysis of soil properties that influence water infiltration and runoff.
- 3D models created from satellite imagery are used to analyse the terrain and assess which areas are at risk of flooding.
Emergency response during and after flooding
- VHR optical imagery, delivered as fast as 15 minutes after collection, allows detailed analysis.
- SAR imagery penetrates cloud cover and is therefore extremely valuable under bad weather conditions.
- DoubleShot combines the benefits of both.
Damage assessment after floods
- VHR optical images are used to create detailed damage maps.
“In 2024, we developed a new product that is particularly useful for flood management – DoubleShot. The Collection Planners at EUSI assess the orbits of both Maxar (optical imagery) and Umbra (SAR imagery) satellite constellations, and then capture optical and SAR images only several minutes apart. This is very useful in case of bad weather – SAR can penetrate clouds, so even if it’s cloudy and rainy over a part of the target area, which is often the case during floods, first responders can get first insights from SAR imagery and then create a more detailed analysis from the RGB image.”
Use case: Floods in Southern Germany in 2024
In June 2024, EUSI worked closely with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to rapidly collect and deliver both optical and SAR satellite images of floods in Southern Germany. Initially, the region was covered by clouds and the collection of optical imagery was challenging. Analysts from the IFAS project therefore first received high resolution SAR images and created maps detailing flooded areas. On the first cloud-free occasion, EUSI delivered optical imagery which was used for analysis. The results were immediately made available to authorities and relief organisations such as the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) and the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW).
Flood map by DLR using Umbra SAR imagery provided by European Space Imaging
Water management in agriculture
Agriculture is one of the largest consumers of water in the EU, and water overuse and unsustainable abstraction are major issues. Climate change furthermore worsens these problems by increasing drought risks and water scarcity in certain regions. To mitigate these challenges, farmers and policymakers can use VHR multispectral, SWIR and hyperspectral satellite images to monitor water consumption, soil conditions, and plant health with great accuracy.
Soil moisture monitoring
VHR SWIR imagery maps soil moisture content across large fields. This helps predict irrigation needs, manage water distribution, and assess field readiness for planting or harvesting.
Soil moisture pattern visible in multispectral satellite imagery © 2025 Maxar Technologies provided by European Space Imaging
Irrigation system evaluation
Pansharpened multispectral imagery at 30 cm resolution detects irrigation inefficiencies and water stress, which guides irrigation adjustments, and NDVI calculated from the imagery is used to estimate water requirements. Moreover, the newest Maxar satellites (WorldView Legion) use spectral bands at the same wavelengths as Sentinel, which enables the seamless use of Sentinel-based indices.
Improving drought resilience
Most of Europe has adequate water resources, but water scarcity and droughts are increasingly frequent and widespread in the EU. In some regions, the severity and frequency of droughts can even lead to water scarcity situations. Analysis of multispectral data from our archive dating back to 1999 tracks long-term soil and crop trends, which improves predictive models for drought resilience.
Regulatory compliance
VHR imagery documents water use for compliance with regulations like the Common Agricultural Policy, Water Framework Directive, EU Carbon Removals, or Carbon Farming Certification Regulation.
Monitoring buffer strips
Vegetated zones between farmland and waterways mitigate pollution, reduce erosion, and improve water quality by filtering runoff. Regular monitoring of buffer strips ensures they remain functional, adapt to changing conditions, and comply with environmental policies. How does VHR satellite imagery help?
- 15–50 cm resolution images are used for accurate mapping of buffer strips.
- Multispectral bands reveal information about vegetation type density and health, which shows degraded or overgrown strips that need maintenance.
- SWIR sensors track soil moisture fluctuation, which helps identify areas where new buffer strips should be built.
- Monitoring of change over time is possible thanks to an extensive archive.
Water pollution analysis
Europe’s water bodies suffer from chemical contamination, primarily through air pollution and agricultural runoff, and most protected aquatic habitats and species in the EU are assessed as having a poor or bad conservation status. Hyperspectral satellite images can help analyse and monitor water quality by precise identification and measurement of various pollutants across entire water bodies – without requiring physical samples.
Hyperspectral sensors detect subtle changes in water colour and reflectance that indicate the presence of pollutants including heavy metals, algal blooms, petroleum compounds, and agricultural runoff. By analysing the unique spectral signatures of different contaminants, authorities can identify pollution sources, track dispersion patterns, and assess concentration levels without physical sampling.
Hyperspectral satellite imagery is used for water quality analysis. © 2025 Pixxel provided by European Space Imaging
This technology enables continuous monitoring of remote or inaccessible areas and allows for early detection of contamination events, verification of regulatory compliance, and assessment of remediation effectiveness across EU member states.
| Wavelength | Water quality parameters | Significance |
|---|---|---|
|
400–850 nm |
Total Suspended Sediments (TSS) |
Determines the level of turbidity and murkiness, water clarity, water colour, and degree of water quality and pollution |
|
467–675 nm,
690–710 nm |
Total Phosphorus (TP) |
Proxy for monitoring the growth of aquatic autotrophs; directly linked to Chl-a content, indirectly linked to water quality |
|
450–705 nm, 761–891 nm |
Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) |
Proxy for phytoplankton abundance and trophic state |
|
Bands centered on: 1200, 1730, 2300 nm |
Hydrocarbon detection |
Detects the presence of oil spills, their thickness, and emulsion rate |
Impervious Surface Mapping
The expansion of paved surfaces in urban areas brings negative consequences in many domains, such as increased surface runoff and flood risk, decreased groundwater recharge, or intensification of the urban heat island effect. That’s why the administrations of cities, municipalities or countries, as well as commercial users, use high-precision land cover data to create objective documentation and monitor land consumption.
VHR satellite imagery is used for creating impervious surface maps – maps that highlight areas where the surface doesn’t absorb water. These are usually solid surfaces like roads, buildings and parking lots. Understanding the land cover supports:
- stormwater management planning
- flood modelling and prediction
- urban planning and development decisions
The resulting data helps city administrators create objective documentation of land use trends and supports informed policy decisions. Try a free demo.
Impervious surface map © 2025 Ecopia provided by European Space Imaging
Monitoring Water Infrastructure
With many European areas facing water stress and climate volatility, authorities need precise, cost-effective tools to monitor the extensive network of water infrastructure across diverse landscapes, such as irrigation canals or water reservoirs. Traditional ground-based monitoring is resource-intensive, provides limited coverage, and thus creates blind spots in rural and remote areas where crucial water systems operate. The answer to this problem is satellite imagery.
The threat
Hydrological infrastructure is vulnerable to many threats. The main ones are wear, sedimentation, leaks, extreme weather events, and potentially dangerous activities like illegal construction near the water source. This can result in water pollution, agricultural losses, increased operational costs, damage to the ecosystem, and an overall threat to water security.
The solution
Real-time monitoring with 30 cm satellite imagery detects water level changes, pollution, damage, or construction activities near the infrastructure. This enables predictive maintenance, extends infrastructure lifespan, and reduces expenses from emergency repairs and disaster recovery. It also allows authorities to reduce ground surveys for remote sites, identify infrastructure at risk from extreme weather, and validate adherence to EU regulations.
Use Case: Satellite images revealed drinking water damage after landslides
After two landslides in Saxony, Germany, EUSI was activated by the Copernicus EMS to supply VHR satellite images at 50 cm in order to assess possible effects on drinking water infrastructure in the area. The map showed that the landslides had blocked a tunnel connecting two water reservoirs, potentially having a severe impact on drinking water in the Berlin area.
Before and after landslide. Satellite imagery © 2025 Maxar Technologies provided by European Space Imaging
Advanced satellite technology for water resilience
Recent technological advances have significantly improved satellite capabilities for water management.
- Six new 30 cm satellites available to European users were launched in 2024 and 2025. The ability to capture a single target 5, 10 or even 15 times in a single day significantly improves the success of challenging collections involving bad weather, continuous monitoring, or natural disasters.
- 15 cm HD processing increases the resolution of 30 cm images, which bridges the resolution gap between satellite and aerial sensors.
- Using the most advanced satellite downlinking and processing technology, EUSI offers Near Real-Time (NRT) satellite image delivery in only 15 minutes after collection – with the ability to process multiple NRT orders simultaneously.
- We work closely with innovative partners and solution providers. Thanks to this, users can access solutions from GAF AG (3D models), Umbra (SAR imagery), Pixxel (hyperspectral imagery), or Ecopia (impervious surface mapping).
These capabilities are available through a range of EUSI’s products:
| Product/Solution | Resolution | Spectral Bands |
|---|---|---|
|
RGB optical imagery |
30–50 cm |
4 (RGB + panchromatic) |
|
HD imagery |
15 cm HD |
4 (RGB + panchromatic) |
|
Multispectral |
1.2–1.6 m |
8 (R, G, B, Y, Coastal, Red Edge, NIR 1, NIR 2) + panchromatic |
|
SWIR |
3.7 m |
8 (SWIR) |
|
Hyperspectral imagery |
5–10 m |
250+ |
|
3D models |
30 cm – 5 m |
3 (RGB) |
|
SAR imagery |
25–100 cm |
– |
|
Land cover maps |
Derived from 30–50 cm imagery |
– |
Ready to build water resilience?
Water security challenges require sophisticated monitoring approaches that provide both broad coverage and precise detail. Satellite imagery delivers this balance while remaining cost-effective and accessible.
Want to learn how satellite imagery can support your water management projects? Contact our team through our online form. With direct tasking capabilities, a local ground station in Munich, and access to the world’s most advanced satellite constellations, EUSI provides decision-makers with timely, accurate information when it matters most.
Related Stories
EUSI and Albedo Partner to Deliver 10 cm Resolution Satellite Imagery to Europe
It is our pleasure to announce the partnership with Albedo, a builder of high-performance spacecraft and the first satellite designed to operate commercially in VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit). This partnership will bring the world’s highest resolution satellite imagery to the European and North African market.
Updating the Land Parcel Identification Systems in 2025: The Benefits of Using Satellite Images
Agricultural paying agencies across Europe face increasing challenges in maintaining accurate and up-to-date Land Parcel Identification Systems (LPIS), ensuring compliance with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
EUSI Confirms Uninterrupted Satellite Imagery Support for Ukraine and European Security
With the successful launch of Maxar Intelligence’s second set of WorldView Legion satellites, European Space Imaging (EUSI) will soon offer up to eight daily collection opportunities in key latitudes across Europe and North Africa – a number that will increase after the final WorldView Legion satellites are launched and all six satellites are operational.
Civil Mapping: Three Case Studies From Germany
Three land-surveying authorities finished large-scale mapping projects using very high resolution satellite images in 2024. These are the challenges, solutions and results:
