An Advanced Algorithm for Radar Derived Bathymetry

NOAA can reduce costs and improve efficiency by remotely monitoring harbors, navigation channels and coastlines for bathymetric changes. This will aid NOAA and its mission to maintain waterways and assure maritime safety. This remote sensing can be accomplished by implementing a new radar derived bathymetry capability. Areté Associated proposes to implement an advanced algorithm to derive bathymetry from times-series wave imagery obtained from shore based navigation radars. NOAA will benefit directly from our experience developing and transitioning other remote bathymetry solutions. Our proposed approach includes the following benefits: • A low risk approach that exploits linear wave dispersion and Fourier analysis • High spatial resolution and accuracy retrievals using new variational assimilation approach. • Algorithm testing and implementation in prototype operational software executable with documentation delivered to NOAA. • A flexible and adaptive solution that can be used with NOAA’s existing radar systems and extended to other platforms. The success of Phase II will produce prototype software for a real-time, shore based radar bathymetry capability. This demonstration software is the next step towards NOAA long term goal of an operational remote bathymetric measurement system suitable for both land and ship based radar systems.