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 in its mission to maintain waterways and assure maritime safety. This remote sensing can be accomplished by implementing a new radar derived bathymetry capability. Areté Associates proposes to demonstrate 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 demonstrations and validation using radar data from an operationally relevant site. • A flexible and adaptive solution that can be used the NOAA’s existing radar systems. The success of Phase I will lead to prototyping and demonstrating a real-time, shore based radar bathymetry capability. These are the first steps toward reaching NOAA long term goal of an operational remote bathymetric measurement system suitable for both land and ship based radar systems.