An Integrated Optical System for Synoptic Remote Sensing Validation: The DOLPHIN

Integrated, optical sampling systems capable of rapid surveys are needed in several areas of remote sensing validation, including the validation and calibration of aircraft-based and future space-based lidar technologies. These sampling systems require the development of innovative deployment strategies, multi-sensor sampling packages with integrated acquisition, and software networks designed for automated and integrated processing.In response, we propose to develop a self-contained, compact, in-situ optical measurement system, the DOLPHIN (Diving OpticaL Profiler and High-speed Integration Network). The sampling package will be a towed profiler to maximize spatial coverage. Data acquisition and processing will be automated. A water sampling system will additionally pump water to the vessel for laboratory analyses.The towed sampling package will provide a continuous set of calibration points for validation, instead of a single point (station) as typically obtained from a ship. Equally important, substantial time and money will be saved by the research community by purchasing a sampling system already equipped with complete sensor integration and automated processing.At the end of Phase-I we expect to have design work for the system completed. We will construct and test all DOLPHIN components in Phase-II. Phase-II will culminate in a completely operational system transitioned to a commercial product.