Detection of shoals in SEASAT synthetic aperture radar imagery: selected case studies.

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Authors
Dickerman, Ronald L.
Subjects
Satellite bathymetry
SEASAT
Synthetic aperture radar
Remote sensing
Bathymetric chart revision
Hydrographic survey planning
Radar
Shelikof Strait
Advisors
Mueller, James L.
Date of Issue
1985
Date
September 1985
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
Ocean-going vessels have increased in size and draft in recent years, making traditional waterways too shallow and dangerous for use, and. new shipping methods and increased costs require shorter transit times. Therefore, as new shipping routes are being sought, limited hydrographic survey resources must be efficiently applied. This study sought to demonstrate the feasibility of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery as a tool for hydrographic presurvey planning by analyzing SAR imagery of Shelikof Strait, Alaska. Anomalous brightness patterns visible in SAR imagery were related to interactions between ocean phenomena and bathymetric features, and an analysis of wave refraction was performed using optical Fourier transform (OFT )-measured wave spectra. The study results showed surface gravity wave refraction as measured by OFT's can be used to make quantitative estimates of water depths, generally within 40% error. Also, anomalous brightness patterns visible in SAR imagery indicate possible hazards to navigation. However, the absence of an anomalous pattern does not mean a hazard is not present.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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