Autonomous Undersea Vehicle Track Planner (AUVTP) for Adaptive Environmental Sampling

Environmental conditions can have a significant effect on Naval planning efforts and operations. To gain a warfare advantage, information obtained through in-situ observations and measurements of environmental properties (e.g., water depths, currents, temperature, salinity, wave spectra) can be exploited to improve the planning and execution of these operations. Such information is critical in littoral environments to support reliable wave and surf model predictions. Increasingly, mobile observational platforms, such as AUVs, are playing a greater role in the data collection process in littoral waters (due to their covertness, efficiency, increasing viability, and reduced risks). Daniel H. Wagner, Associates (DHWA), teamed with the Neptune Sciences Division of Planning Systems, Inc., proposes to develop an adaptive sampling track-planning system, for one or more AUVs, to maximize the value of data collected and achieve mission objectives. There are two major goals. The first is to investigate and develop methods to determine, prioritize, and quantify the data collection needs (spatially and temporally). The second is to develop a track-planning tool using a genetic algorithm approach, leveraging an existing algorithm developed by DHWA for ASW search planning. This tool will be the first step toward an expanded capability for other types of platforms and missions.