Current use of EO data for Search And Rescue operations (SAR)

The current use of Earth Observation data is directed toward using wind scattometer data and include them directly into the drift modeling used for Search and Rescue Operations of known objects (objects for which we know the original location but want to know more about drift).


What is interesting is the apparent mismatch between the model data and the EO actual observations as shown by Michel Olagnon from IFREMER in the photo below (the picture shows the model color with satellite swath lines providing real information, the mismatch show the inaccuracy of the model).


With regards to data fusion in the current SAROPS software by the USCG, it looks like the current configuration only include overlays of low resolution.



it does not seem to address the ability to image directly the objects of interest (either a boat lost at sea or drifting containers) .