The combined observational power of the multiple earth observing satellites is currently not being harnessed holistically to produce more durable societal benefits. We are not able to take complete advantage of the prolific amount of scientific output and remote sensing data that are emerging rapidly from satellite missions and convert them quickly into decision-making products for users. The current application framework we have appears to be an analog one lacking the absorption bandwidth required to handle scientific research and the voluminous (petabyte-scale) satellite data. This book will tackle this question: "How do we change this course and take full advantage of satellite observational capability for a more sustainable, happier and safer future in the coming decades?"

Faisal Hossain received his Ph.D. from The University of Connecticut in 2004, his M.S (1999) and B.S (1996) from The National University of Singapore and Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi, respectively. His research interests comprise hydrologic remote sensing, sustainable water resources engineering, transboundary water resources management and engineering education. He is the recipient of awards such as NASA New Investigator Award (2008), American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Outstanding Research Award (2009), US Fulbright Faculty Award (2012), G.O.L.D. (Graduate Of the Last Decade) award from University of Connecticut (2012), American GeophysicalUnion (AGU) Charles Falkenberg Award (2012), American Meteorological Society Editor's Award (2015) and ASCE Walter Huber Award (2015).

Faisal Hossain has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, authored an undergraduate textbook, edited three book volumes and contributed nine book chapters. His group's research work on human modification of extreme events by artificial reservoirs has been featured by media such as the BBC, National Geographic and New Scientist. His capacity building initiative promoting satellite remote sensing has resulted in an independently-owned satellite management system for the Government of Bangladesh (using altimetry) and Pakistan (using gravimetry) that is now planned for expansion to other nations. Currently he serves as Editor for Journal of Hydrometeorology, chair for ASCE Task Committee on "Water Infrastructure, Weather and Climate" and Applications lead for Science Team of Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) Mission.