Spatial algorithm for mapping evapotranspiration (SAM-ET) for water productivity and vegetation health
Project details
| Objective: |
Develop a new method for measuring evapo-transpiration for Australian conditions. |
| Funding: |
Up to $900,000 plus applicable GST from the Australian Government towards a total project value of $1.62m |
| Jurisdiction: |
National |
| Commenced: |
March 2008 |
| Completion: |
Finalised |
| Outputs: | An algorithm for calculating evapo-transpiration |
About the project
Researchers at Charles Sturt University developed a spatial algorithm to improve the application of remote sensing technologies for measuring evapo-transpiration (ET) across Australia.
Current remote sensing algorithms have been designed for international conditions. This project examined these international algorithms and develop an appropriate and calibrated satellite remote sensing algorithm to determine the evaporation and plant water use for Australian conditions.
Project outcomes
This project helped improve water use efficiencies across Australia by providing an algorithm for calculating evapo-transpiration that is specifically suited to various Australian climates and conditions.
About the package of evapo-transpiriation projects
This package of three evapo-transpiration (ET) projects focuses on the measurement and application of data to improve Australian water efficiency and productivity under the National Water Initiative.
Evapo-transpiration includes evaporation and plant water use, and is the second largest component of the hydrological cycle, representing up to 90% of rainfall levels in many areas. It is also one of the most significant gaps in our knowledge of Australia's water balances.
Collectively, the package of 3 proposals focuses on how Australia can make use of and improve existing remote sensing technologies to determine evapo-transpiration across a range of land uses and environments.
The projects will utilise satellite imagery (remote sensing) to help identify how much water is being used by different land uses - such as cropping, irrigated agriculture and wetlands - at catchment level.
The results will improve water productivity and will assist in estimating water availability. It will deliver an accurate assessment of water use at various scales by the use of ground-breaking technology.
The other two projects in this package are:
- Measuring regional irrigation evapo-transpiration to benchmark crop water use and improve water use efficiency
- Validating the use of remote sensing for measuring evapo-transpiration at a range of scales.