image: The tutorial text Ocean Sensing and Monitoring: Optics and Other Methods is published by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. view more
Credit: SPIE
BELLINGHAM, Washington, USA — Optical remote sensing technologies provide the ability to monitor short- and long-term changes in coral reefs, deep-sea fisheries, and off-shore oilfields, and to supply real-time information about seismic activity, water conditions, and equipment functionality.
Ocean Sensing and Monitoring: Optics and Other Methods, a new book authored by U.S. Naval Research Lab oceanographer Weilin (Will) Hou, provides the background, basic principles, and insights on the latest developments in the field needed to develop these systems. The tutorial text was published by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and is available in print or as an eBook.
Because there are many specialized areas in oceanography, Hou takes a narrative approach and focuses on the science and reasons behind methods and approaches to ocean science. A significant portion of the book uses sketches and illustrations to convey ideas — ideal for readers who are professionals from related fields or students exploring careers in remote sensing of the ocean or ocean engineering.
An overview of ocean research includes physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography as well as biogeochemistry. Basic optical properties of the ocean are discussed, followed by underwater and remote sensing topics including diver visibility; active underwater imaging and its comparison to sonar; ocean color remote sensing; and separate chapters on lidar, microwave, and infrared remote sensing techniques. The book concludes with a discussion of platforms and instrumentation, and integrated solutions and future needs in ocean sensing and monitoring.
"I believe, and I hope, we can work hard to explore new technologies to adapt different advances in the underwater environment to benefit society," said Hou in an SPIE Newsroom video interview.
Hou and fellow NRL Stennis Space Center oceanographer Bob Arnone have cochaired a conference on Ocean Sensing and Monitoring as part of the annual SPIE DSS Defense + Security symposium since 2008. The next conference takes place 5-9 May 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland.
SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. The Society serves more than 235,000 constituents from approximately 155 countries, offering conferences, continuing education, books, journals, and a digital library in support of interdisciplinary information exchange, professional networking, and patent precedent. SPIE provided over $3.2 million in support of education and outreach programs in 2012.