GNSS-R: Operational Applications

TL;DR

This paper reviews the operational use of GNSS-R technology, introduces Oceanpal as a low-cost ocean sensing instrument, and discusses its potential for ocean monitoring and remote sensing applications.

Contribution

It presents Oceanpal, an inexpensive passive GNSS-R instrument, and discusses its capabilities and potential for future ocean remote sensing networks.

Findings

Oceanpal can accurately monitor tide and surface roughness.

Reflected GNSS signals provide data on sea state, currents, and pollution.

Initial campaign results demonstrate practical ground-based GNSS-R applications.

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of operational applications of GNSS-R, and describes Oceanpal, an inexpensive, all-weather, passive instrument for remote sensing of the ocean and other water surfaces. This instrument is based on the use of reflected signals emitted from GNSS, and it holds great potential for future applications thanks to the growing, long term GNSS infrastructure. The instrument exploits the fact that, at any given moment, several GNSS emitters are simultaneously in view, providing separated multiple scattering points with different geometries. Reflected signals are affected by surface roughness and motion (i.e., sea state, orbital motion, and currents), mean surface height and dielectric properties (i.e., salinity and pollution). Oceanpal is envisioned as an accurate, "dry" tide gauge and surface roughness monitoring system, and as an important element of a future distributed ocean remote sensing network concept. We also report some results from the Starlab Coastpal campaign, focusing on ground GNSS-R applications.