My PhD and PostDoc were focused on the development and application of new sensing techniques for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), targeting hydraulic variables in surface water bodies. I designed, validated and applied microwave and acoustic techniques to measure orthometric water level (water surface elevation) and bathymetry in rivers and lakes. I initiated development of a UAV-borne water surface velocity sensing technique that, together with level and depth, will enable estimation of river discharge. I applied the developed techniques in different hydrologic systems in Denmark, Sweden, Italy and Mexico.