and microwave sensors, provide high-resolution data of many kinds and thus represent an important part of the mix of remote sensing capabilities for Earth observation. Among the disadvantages of aircraft remote sensing are the relatively limited spatial coverage that can be obtained compared to satellite instruments, the recurring expense of deploying multiple flights, weather restrictions, and lack of synopticity over large scales.

The three case studies presented at the workshop by government agency officials and a private sector representative (Boxes 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3) outline projects developed for the application of remote sensing, describe the challenges in developing data and information, and provide examples of barriers and bottlenecks to producing useful applications. The information needs of the coastal zone managers who are the applications users in these case studies address a range of problems. The cases are not representative of all remote sensing applications developments; rather, they illustrate the types of challenges that can arise in moving from research to information and applications.

On balance, the case studies presented at the workshop suggest that successful remote sensing applications are likely to be those that draw on the unique characteristics of the data and cannot be accomplished in a cost-effective manner with other sources of data. Discussions at the workshop emphasized that it is the good correspondence between the information requirements of end users and the specific attributes of remote sensing data that will make the use of the technology advantageous. Remote sensing data that do not meet the specific information needs of end users or whose use does not fit into their accepted practices must be transformed into usable information to enable users to apply the technology.

The case studies and discussions at the workshop also highlighted the importance of easily understood demonstration projects. Potential end users were willing to participate in a demonstration project, especially when they were not required to contribute financially to the project. In turn, user feedback provided those conducting the demonstration project with valuable information on the effectiveness of the application in time to modify the demonstration before completion. Demonstration projects are one means of bridging the gap between the information needs of end users and unprocessed remote sensing data.

A common thread in the case studies and other examples of remote sensing applications in the coastal zone was the requirement to obtain consistent data and information over regular intervals on key ecosystem variables that might serve as indices of change. Remote sensing can be an attractive technology for monitoring coastal ecosystems, whose high spatial and temporal variability mean that data must be collected over large areas and for long periods to enable identification of trends. Such large-scale sampling from boats and ships alone is prohibi-

Front Matter (R1-R14)

Executive Summary (1-6)

1 Realizing the Potential of Remote Sensing (7-22)

2 Meeting the Information Needs of End Users in the Coastal Zone (23-33)

3 Responding to Issues Critical to the Development of Successful Applications (34-45)

4 Recommendations (46-54)

Appendix A: Biographical Information for Steering Committee Members and Workshop Speakers (55-65)

Appendix B: Workshop Agenda and Participants (66-70)

Appendix C: Planning Meeting Agenda (71-73)

Appendix D: Acronyms (74-75)