Reservoirs play a critical role in water resources management by regulating river flows, supporting irrigation, supplying drinking water, generating hydropower, and mitigating the impacts of floods and droughts. However, climate change, increasing water demand, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme hydrometeorological events have made reservoir operations more complex and uncertain. Effective monitoring of reservoir water levels, storage, and surrounding watershed conditions is therefore essential for informed decision-making and integrated water resources management.

Advances in Earth Observation (EO) technologies have significantly enhanced the ability to monitor reservoirs using satellite imagery and remotely sensed data. Modern satellite missions, including optical, radar, and satellite altimetry systems, provide continuous observations of reservoir surface area, water extent, water level, storage dynamics, precipitation, soil moisture, and snow cover. These datasets enable water managers to monitor reservoirs in near real time, improve flood forecasting, strengthen drought preparedness, and optimize reservoir operations, particularly in data-scarce regions. NASA's Earth observation resources and platforms such as the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, together with cloud-based geospatial tools, have expanded opportunities for operational reservoir monitoring and water management.

Recognizing the growing importance of satellite-based water monitoring, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) has developed this three-day training course to strengthen participants' capacity in applying satellite observations and digital tools for reservoir monitoring. The course provides participants with practical knowledge of Earth Observation datasets, reservoir monitoring methodologies, geospatial analysis, and decision-support tools that contribute to improved flood and drought management. Regional experiences, including applications from the Mekong Basin and other Asia-Pacific river basins, will be used to demonstrate how satellite-based information supports operational water management and climate resilience.

The training aims to strengthen participants' knowledge and technical capacity to utilize satellite observations and geospatial tools for effective reservoir monitoring and water resources management. By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role of reservoirs in flood risk reduction, drought management, and integrated water resources management.
• Gain knowledge of satellite observations and Earth Observation datasets used for reservoir monitoring.
• Access and interpret satellite-derived information on reservoir extent, water level, storage, precipitation, soil moisture, and watershed conditions.
• Understand the use of cloud-based geospatial platforms and visualization tools for reservoir monitoring.
• Explore satellite applications for flood forecasting, drought assessment, and reservoir operation.
• Apply reservoir monitoring information to support evidence-based water management and disaster risk reduction.
• Understand emerging satellite missions and digital innovations supporting operational reservoir management.

The training is designed as a three-day face-to-face capacity development program (09:00–17:00 hrs daily) that combines expert lectures, live demonstrations, guided hands-on sessions, regional case studies, and interactive discussions. The course follows a progressive learning pathway, beginning with the fundamentals of reservoir monitoring and Earth Observation technologies, advancing to satellite datasets and monitoring tools, and concluding with operational applications for flood forecasting, drought monitoring, and decision support.

Participants will explore a range of satellite-derived products, web-based visualization platforms, and operational monitoring tools while examining regional examples from Asia and the Pacific. The methodology emphasizes practical learning through demonstrations, collaborative discussions, and real-world applications that can be adapted within participants' respective institutions.

The program emphasizes learning and peer exchange through regional case studies, interactive discussions and hands on sessions.

Group assignments

There will be group work component during the training. It will be conducted based on case study reflecting around the training topic.

Day 1: Fundamentals of Reservoir Monitoring and Earth Observation

Theme: Understanding Satellite-Based Reservoir Monitoring

The first day introduces participants to the importance of reservoirs in integrated water resources management and the role of Earth Observation technologies in monitoring reservoir dynamics. Participants will gain an understanding of satellite missions, remotely sensed datasets, and key indicators used to monitor reservoir conditions and watershed processes.

Day 2: Satellite Tools and Geospatial Applications

Theme: Monitoring Reservoir Dynamics Using Satellite Data

The second day focuses on satellite-derived datasets and digital tools used for monitoring reservoir conditions. Participants will learn how to interpret information on rainfall, soil moisture, snow cover, watershed conditions, and reservoir storage to support operational water management and disaster preparedness.

Day 3: Applications for Flood and Drought Management

Theme: From Satellite Observations to Decision Support

The final day focuses on translating satellite observations into actionable information for flood forecasting, drought monitoring, reservoir operations, and water resources planning. Participants will explore operational applications, emerging technologies, and best practices for integrating Earth Observation into decision-making processes.

The course follows a "Data-to-Decision" workflow, utilizing open-source tools to ensure participants can replicate the results at their home institutions.

• Hands-on Technical Labs: Participants will use GEE and QGIS to process real-time satellite imagery of a local reservoir.
• Simulation Exercises: A "Reservoir Operation Game" where groups must decide on water releases based on satellite-predicted inflows and downstream flood risks.
• Altimetry Data Clinics: Step-by-step guidance on accessing and cleaning raw altimetry data from global virtual stations.
• Peer-to-Peer "Basin Breakouts": Participants from shared river basins will work together to harmonize satellite-derived data for transboundary water management.
• Field Validation Trip: A visit to a nearby reservoir to compare satellite-derived observations with physical gauge readings and understand ground-truth sensors.
• Capstone Project: Developing a "Reservoir Health Map" for a specific transboundary or national reservoir, including a 5-year storage trend analysis.

•National and sub- national environmental agencies
•Scientists, researchers, and analysts
•Meteorological and hydrological department staff
•Urban planners and environmental engineers
•Academics and students
•Development professionals and practitioners

$1,140 (without accommodation)
$1,464 [with accommodation (4 nights)]

Fees are inclusive of course materials (soft copy), cost of instructions and course certificate. For face-to-face training, fee is inclusive of morning and afternoon snacks and lunch during the course.

Interested individuals and organizations can register online at www.adpc.net/apply.

For more information about the course, you may also contact ApibarlBunchongraksa at apibarl@adpc.net and telephone numbers +66 22980681 to 92 ext. 132.