Remote sensing in the marine environment. A description of facilities, applications, needs and opportunities in South Africa

Abstract

Against a background of the techniques and instrumentation available for remote sensing in the marine environment, this report considers the rationale for their use by the South African marine community. Local applications of remote sensing techniques are described and an assessment is made o£ the status quo in South Africa with respect to satellite reception and image processing facilities, data and data products, as well as non-satellite instrumentation and manpower. Present and future research and applied needs and opportunities are identified and linked to the deployment of ocean-related spacecraft, during the next decade. Finally a blueprint for the future development of oceanographic remote sensing in South Africa is presented.