The fine spatial resolution offered by the SPOT system promises great improvements in the mapping of surface water and drainage networks. Simulated SPOT imagery of sites covering a variety of landscape units in Wales were examined. Identification of streams on the basis of spatial characteristics alone was found to be inefficient, and the use of thematic information was found beneficial. Strategies for interactive image enhancement are discussed, and the results of a visual interpretation of standard photoproducts are presented. The results of the interpretation of simulated SPOT data are compared with results of an interpretation of LANDSAT MSS data.