User Requirements for SAR Data in the Coastal and Marine Environment

Several efforts have already been undertaken to analyse user requirements for Earth observation (EO) data in the marine and coastal environment. However, little has been done to identify the specific requirements for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. A fundamental component of the current EU 5th Framework project Marine SAR Analysis and Interpretation System (MARSAIS), deals specifically with user requirements explicit to SAR data and SAR application capabilities. The project aims to identify and involve potential end users of SAR data and to generate end user feedback, which in turn will be fed into the development of an operational MARSAIS prototype focussing on sea state, winds, slicks and surface currents near fronts and internal waves.The collation of end user feedback was achieved using a range of interview techniques, end user workshops, and a Context of Use (CoU) survey. The latter included a questionnaire survey in 2002 to assess SAR data needs, capability and capacity constraints, benefits of SAR data use and perceived obstacles to SAR data use.Analysis of the 96 CoU survey questionnaires returned shows potential for greater exploitation of SAR data and SAR derived products within the coastal and marine environment. End users showed a preference for processed products and more frequent temporal coverage. Cost emerged as a primary obstacle to the use of SAR data within the coastal and marine community.