Why are American scientists developing these maps?

American scientists are developing maps that can identify areas of future flooding. The maps also may help scientists estimate the possibility of extremely dry weather and severe storms.
   Tom Jackson of the United States Department of Agriculture prepared the maps after the April flood. He used in- formation provided by satellites in Earth orbit. The maps are produced from dish receivers on the satellites.  Each dish receiver measures the wetness of the soil by capturing the natural release of microwave radiation from the soil. The receivers turn rapidly. This provides complete coverage of each area the satellite passes over.
   Mr. Jackson and other scientists have tested Aqua’s equipment in airplanes and satellites flying over several states.  The scientists use the tests to develop ways to change the information gathered into maps.
   Mr. Jackson now plans to compare the microwave dish receiver findings with information from tests on Earth’s soil, He will use instruments at Agricultural Research Service centers in 4 states. He also will study information pro- vided by forty ground observation centers across the country.