Satellite technology is opening up new ways to monitor water resources, from tracking water levels in rivers and lakes to supporting flood warnings and climate change response.
VietnamPlus reported that on September 7, the 6th Viet Nam School on Earth Observation (VSEO-6) opened at the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE). The event was jointly organized by ICISE, the Rencontres du Vietnam Association, the Embassy of France in Viet Nam, the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), Hydro Matters and the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH).
Held from September 7-11 under the theme “Satellite Altimetry - A Tool for Monitoring Changes in Inland Water Resources,” the event brought together nearly 50 professors, scientists, young researchers and students from six countries.
Denis Fourmeau, Science and Higher Education Attaché at the Embassy of France in Viet Nam, speaks at the event. Photo: Sy Thang/VNA.Using satellite data to manage water
VSEO-6 focuses on satellite altimetry, a technology that collects data on water levels and tracks changes in water bodies from space. The data can support monitoring of rivers, lakes and reservoirs, particularly in areas that are difficult to access or lack ground-based monitoring networks.
As part of the program, participants learn how to process satellite altimetry data and build and visualize time series. They also work with and validate data from active satellites under the Copernicus program and research missions, including SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography).
A key feature of VSEO-6 is its focus on linking Earth observation from space with practical challenges on the ground. Satellite data can track changes in water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs; support disaster monitoring and early warning, especially for floods; and contribute to managing transboundary river basins and researching the impacts of climate change.
Through lectures, practical sessions and thematic workshops, participants gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on data processing skills. They also learn how to integrate satellite altimetry data into hydrological models. The program is designed for young researchers, engineers, lecturers and students seeking to strengthen their expertise in monitoring inland water resources using satellite altimetry.
Satellite technology is opening up new ways to monitor water resources, from tracking water levels in rivers and lakes to supporting flood warnings and climate change response. Photo: CIMA Research Foundation.Expanding scientific cooperation
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Huu Ha, Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology, welcomed the continued organization of VSEO over the past six years. He said the program not only helps train young professionals in Earth observation but also strengthens cooperation among scientists, universities, research institutes and international organizations.
Mr. Denis Fourmeau, Science and Higher Education Cooperation Attaché at the Embassy of France in Viet Nam, highlighted the role of CNES and the Embassy of France in supporting VSEO-6 as part of the France-Viet Nam Year of Innovation.
France is working with the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology to mobilize resources for future programs and projects related to Earth observation satellites in Viet Nam.
VSEO-6 is expected to strengthen young scientists’ capacity to use satellite data while promoting international cooperation in water resource research and monitoring, as well as efforts to respond to the increasingly visible impacts of climate change.