Remote-sensing technologies play a primary role in water resources monitoring. Satellites provide
visual and near-visual infrared (IR) imagery of the Earth’s surface and atmospheric reflectance.
These images provide the basis for tracking storm systems as well as mapping crop types
and status and flood extent. Communications satellites also provide the means for transmitting DCP
data from the sensors to a central receiving station. Remote sensing also includes radar technologies.
The NEXRAD (next-generation radar) program of the National Weather Service comprises a
nationwide network of Doppler radars that monitor storm dynamics.