Objective Analysis of Oceanic Data for Coast Guard Trajectory Models Phase II
Abstract
The Coast Guard uses Computer Aided Search Planning (CASP) tools to support search and rescue mission planning. CASP target drift algorithms require estimates of the search area ocean currents. Global sea current databases provide this information, however, the data resolution is poor and the data do not always reflect real time, on-scene conditions. Self Locating Datum Marker Buoys (SLDMB) provide a source of improved sea current data, but the data must be processed into a velocity field format that CASP can use. This SBIR Phase research developed and tested statistical techniques known as objective analysis (OA) to compute the ocean current velocity field from SLDMB buoy data. The following research was completed. OA algorithms were developed, that combine sources of ocean current data distributed irregularly in space and time, to produce an optimal velocity field. A computer program, Ocean Prediction System (OPS), was developed which decodes SLDMB data and calculates the velocity field. An OPS Development Test was conducted in the vicinity of NOAA buoy 44011 in the First Coast Guard District. Objective analysis techniques successfully estimated ocean surface currents using SLDMB data. OPS algorithms decoded SLDMB transmissions, processed the data, and provided an automated approach to compute ocean current velocity fields from buoy data. Potential applications of this research are in support of Coast Guard Search and Rescue, Ice Patrol and Environmental Protection missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA342614