A plan for the polarimetric remote sensing of the oceans

Deric J. Gray

doi:10.1117/12.883089

Translator Disclaimer

4 May 2011 A plan for the polarimetric remote sensing of the oceans

Deric J. Gray

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8030, Ocean Sensing and Monitoring III; 803006 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883089
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Polarimetry has the potential to greatly enhance the capabilities of visible and near-IR remote sensing systems. For remote sensing of the oceans, the passive polarimetric signal is a complicated function of solar angle and viewing geometry, along with the confounding effects of the atmosphere. The atmospheric polarization signal becomes dominant as the sensor altitude increases, and this can lead to complications with ground truth measurements. The purpose of this study is to investigate the combined effects of solar and viewing geometries and sensor altitude to determine a strategy for polarimetric remote sensing of the oceans. A polarimetric radiative transfer code is used to model the nature of polarized light in a coupled atmosphere-ocean system. Viewing geometries are examined to find the look angles and azimuth angles relative to the sun that provide the maximum information about the ocean. The effect of sensor altitude is shown for different aerosol and hydrosol types and concentrations. Finally, the complications of ground truth measurements will be discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Deric J. Gray "A plan for the polarimetric remote sensing of the oceans", Proc. SPIE 8030, Ocean Sensing and Monitoring III, 803006 (4 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883089

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE