Experimental applications of data from multispectral and other advanced sensors have demonstrated that remote sensing can make a valuable contribution to the monitoring and management of Canada's land resources. More frequent coverage and additional spectral bands on satellites planned for the mid-1980s and beyond will increase the opportunities for regular use of remotely sensed data. To effectively utilize these data in resource management, the remote sensing input must be matched with the resource management systems existing at that time. Thus, it is essential to anticipate the needs of resource management systems of the late 1980s and 1990s, to determine the appropriate role for remotely sensed data and to develop and implement a plan which will yield the remote sensing systems and methodologies necessary to meet the operational resource management requirements