Littoral Zone Characterization Using Merged Multi-Spectral Visible Electro Optic (EO) and Infrared (IR) Imagery

Geopolitical changes over the last twenty years have led to significant changes in the type of warfare that the Navy and the Marines have been asked to undertake. The Navy is increasingly asked to operate in littoral regions, and even riverine areas, leading to new requirements for accurate knowledge of the near-shore bathymetry, bottom type, landing zone trafficability. We propose to investigate the use of existing Navy turret based sensors to supply the needed infrared and multi-spectral data for these missions. We will determine the basic requirements and the utility of several turret based sensors. Then we will determine the feasibility of processing the data with near-shore characterization algorithms. The goal is an operational capability for the navy to support military operations in the near shore and surf zone.