Real time risk mapping of agricultural catchments is time consuming and for the purposes of flood risk mapping (particularly after an event) is made difficult due to flooding or soil conditions. The challenge is to map the risk factors associated with flooding or agricultural diffuse pollution in a non-invasive - less labour intensive way using an airborne system with built-in intelligence . The added benefit is that the land surface is not damaged at a critical time, and that mitigation strategies can be rapidly deployed.