Suspended sediments are the most common pollutant of the surface waters in inland and coastal waters. Since the 1970s remote sensing techniques have been used to map and quantify suspended sediments in surface waters. Boat, aircraft, and satellite with optical sensors provide spatial and temporal data needed to understand and monitor changes in surface suspended sediments. Early techniques were based on empirical algorithms developed from suspended sediment measurements made at the time the remote sensing data were collected. Empirical algorithms are still widely used to quantitatively determine suspended sediments but the use of more physically based algorithms is expanding. This paper discusses the applications of these algorithms to estimate suspended sediments in surface waters. With recent and planned launches of satellites having improved spectral and spatial resolution sensors, greater application of remote sensing techniques to assess and monitor suspended sediments and other water quality parameter will be possible. Combining these remote sensing techniques with GIS and GPS should improve our abilities to assess the landscape and provide monitoring data to plan and follow clean-up efforts.
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