The objective of the AquaSUP project is to develop and validate novel concepts for the integrated use of data from the CHIME and LSTM missions, to overcome prevailing information deficiencies in inland water and coastal monitoring and management, focusing on enhanced water quality and ecosystem assessment. Combining hyperspectral and thermal imagery for advanced applications presents a promising pathway for addressing a multitude of societal challenges in the future holding the potential for understanding various impacts, such as the response of both inland and coastal ecosystems to population growth and climate change enabling to establish mitigation action plans. The project marks a first step in facilitating the adoption of the new Copernicus Expansion missions together with selected key stakeholders. Utilizing simulated CHIME and LSTM data, applications will be developed focused on mapping and monitoring both inland and coastal aquatic environment, including:
- phytoplankton classification and quantification;
- benthic composition and seagrass monitoring;
- macrophytes classification;
- ecosystem stress evaluation in rivers;
- and calibration and validation of ocean colour.
