FOREWORD 



Synoptic oceanographic data are required for prepar- 

 ing analyses and predictions of thermal structure conditions 

 in support of both civilian and military programs. Most 

 environmental data are now acquired by ships and aircraft. 

 Orbiting spacecraft may also provide an effective means of 

 rapidly acquiring synoptic environmental data. 



The Naval Oceanographic Office, in cooperation with the 

 National Aeronautics and Space Administration, has conducted 

 field experiments to determine the feasibility of making 

 oceanographic measurements from space. A number of sensors 

 were tested aboard aircraft and compared with the satellite 

 sensors to determine which oceanographic features can be 

 successfully interpreted by remote sensing. The results of 

 the field tests are contained- in this report. 



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T. K. TREADWELL 

 Captain, U. S. Navy 

 Commander 



