71 



The hyperspectral geophysical algorithms have potential 

 applications to many non-Navy users. Current participants in the 

 hyperspectral dual use development include Navy, NOAA, USGS, DOE, Army 

 and NASA. Civilian applications and users of hyperspectral optical remote 

 sensing data abound. These include many of the participants in the Defense 

 Hydrographic Initiative (NOAA, USGS). In addition, all of these techniques 

 developed to characterize the seafloor could be applied to commercial 

 exploitation of the near shore region (fishing management, minerals, 

 pollution monitoring, navigation, recreation) as well as support EEZ 

 commercial developments. 



LIDAR 



LIDAR (light detection and ranging) is an active optical remote- 

 sensing technology with a wide range of Navy applications. Navy S&T 

 efforts are enabling the Navy to measure atmospheric and oceanographic 

 optical properties that are critical to weapon sensor performance, and 

 enable the remote mapping of shallow coastal regions of the world. These 

 S&T efforts will potentially make LIDAR technology useful to other 

 agencies (NOAA, USGS, EPA) and the civilian sector for measuring algal 

 blooms, chemical pollution and bottom bathymetry. For example, NASA has 

 used an aircraft-based LIDAR for calibrating their space-borne optical 

 sensors. CNR programs have worked cooperatively with NASA on extending 

 these data into the ocean volume. 



AIRBORNE ELECTROMAGNETIC (AEM) BATHYMETRY 



NRL developed an AEM bathymetry system in support of both AMW and 

 MCM. The system measures water depth (0 to 30 m), sediment 

 conductivity, and ice thickness. Several successful proof-of-concept 

 demonstrations have been conducted, and the system is currently being 

 engineered to serve the Naval Oceanographic Office as a quick-response 

 hydrographic survey tool in hot spots like the Persian Gulf. 



The AEM bathymetry technique is based on the use of the physical 

 principals of electromagnetic induction in the water and sediments. Using 

 an airborne towed body, an electric field is generated which (when moving 

 over a conducting medium such as the ocean, sediments with water, etc.) 

 provides data on the depth of water and conductivity of the medium. 



