Satellite Imagery illustration by CORZ
Data Processing

Satellite Imagery

Marine remote sensing technology is currently developing rapidly, along with advances in sensor technology for detecting objects on the water surface.

  • Evidence-led
  • Traceable assumptions
  • Decision-ready outputs
  • Methods proportionate to risk
Visual Leaflet

One-Page Visual Summary for Quick Briefing

This page includes a one-page leaflet that can be opened in a full-image popup. It helps present the core CORZ service clearly and convincingly during project discussions, executive briefings, and decision-support meetings.

With a more proportional balance between visuals and text, the page feels brighter and more energetic while still keeping the important technical context visible and easy to understand.

  • Presentation-ready visual
  • Supports quick briefing
  • Highlights value and study focus
  • Easy to reopen as reference

Use this leaflet as a concise visual entry point before moving into the more detailed technical explanation.

Satellite Imagery visual
CONTEXTField conditions and systems being assessed
Data Processing visual
ANALYSISIntegrated data, methods, and modelling
Mapping and GIS Analysis visual
DECISIONVisual outputs and actionable recommendations
Executive Brief

Clarity before a decision is made

01Evidence-led
02Traceable assumptions
03Decision-ready outputs
04Methods proportionate to risk
Executive Brief

Satellite Imagery

Clarity before a decision is made

Marine remote sensing technology is currently developing rapidly, along with advances in sensor technology for detecting objects on the water surface.

In general, satellite imagery data have very large data volumes, depending on the resolution and spatial coverage of the imagery. There are two approaches to satellite imagery processing for modeling purposes.

Satellite Imagery visual
01

Decision Supported

Define the approach, priorities, and actions for satellite imagery using traceable evidence.

Data Processing visual
02

Risk Controlled

Errors in projection, units, timing, quality control, interpolation, and interpretation.

Mapping and GIS Analysis visual
03

Success Criteria

Reproducible processing, verified results, and usable output formats.

Analysis Scope

What is assessed and why it matters

Coastal and Marine Data visual
01

Data inventory and inspection

This aspect is assessed to clarify its implications for satellite imagery.

Weather and Climate Data visual
02

Cleaning, correction, and standardization

This aspect is assessed to clarify its implications for satellite imagery.

Application Programs visual
03

Spatial, temporal, and unit transformation

This aspect is assessed to clarify its implications for satellite imagery.

Survey visual
04

Statistical, spatial, or image analysis

This aspect is assessed to clarify its implications for satellite imagery.

Laboratory Analysis visual
05

Cross-validation and quality control

This aspect is assessed to clarify its implications for satellite imagery.

Modeling Modules visual
06

Visualization, documentation, and export

This aspect is assessed to clarify its implications for satellite imagery.

Data & Methods

A traceable evidence base

Services visual
01

Observations

Field surveys, in-situ measurements, laboratory results, historical records, and operating information as required.

Ocean Prediction visual
02

Remote sensing & GIS

Satellite imagery, mapping, spatial analysis, temporal change, and integration of multiple data sources.

Environmental Impact Assessment visual
03

Modeling & scenarios

Model setup, calibration, validation, existing–planned–extreme scenarios, and sensitivity analysis.

Satellite Imagery visual
04

Quality assurance

Metadata, quality controls, assumptions, limitations, data versions, and processing lineage are documented.

Core Deliverables

Decision-ready information

Data Processing visual
01

Initial assessment & data gaps

Objectives, study area, available data, additional needs, initial risks, and recommended level of detail.

Mapping and GIS Analysis visual
02

Datasets, maps & indicators

Quality-controlled data, thematic maps, time series, indicators, and comparable visualizations.

Coastal and Marine Data visual
03

Scenarios & risk evaluation

Comparison of existing conditions, alternatives, extremes, sensitivities, consequences, and mitigation options.

Weather and Climate Data visual
04

Report & executive brief

Methods, results, limitations, recommendations, action priorities, and stakeholder presentation materials.

Decision Value

Benefits for decision makers and policy leaders

Application Programs visual
01

Reduce uncertainty

Assumptions, data, variability, and limitations are stated so decision risk is not hidden.

Survey visual
02

Compare options objectively

Alternative locations, designs, operations, or policies are assessed using consistent indicators.

Laboratory Analysis visual
03

Optimize cost and time

Data needs and analysis depth are proportionate to risk so resources are used efficiently.

Modeling Modules visual
04

Increase stakeholder confidence

Findings and recommendations are transparent for technical, management, regulatory, and partner review.

Delivery Path

A clear process from need to recommendation

  1. Satellite Imagery visual
    01

    Need definition

    Objectives, users, location, project phase, problems, constraints, and the decision to support.

  2. Data Processing visual
    02

    Scope & work plan

    Methods, data, surveys, models, schedule, team, deliverables, review gates, and resource estimate.

  3. Survey visual
    03

    Acquisition & quality control

    Collection, inspection, harmonization, documentation, and data-sufficiency assessment.

  4. Data Processing visual
    04

    Analysis & scenario testing

    Processing, modeling, validation, option comparison, sensitivity, and risk evaluation.

  5. Modeling Modules visual
    05

    Recommendation & handover

    Maps, report, executive brief, presentation, supporting data, and follow-up plan.

Full technical basis and contextOpen this section to read the complete source technical narrative.

Marine remote sensing technology is currently developing rapidly, along with advances in sensor technology for detecting objects on the water surface. Various datasets provided by international research institutions can be used by combining satellite imagery with model outputs. The purpose is to make various types of analysis easier by integrating remote sensing technology and modeling technology. Satellite imagery can be used to verify and validate models. In addition, satellite imagery data can also be used as model input data, such as QuikSCAT and SeaWinds satellite data, which provide wind speed and wind direction over the sea surface.

In general, satellite imagery data have very large data volumes, depending on the resolution and spatial coverage of the imagery. There are two approaches to satellite imagery processing for modeling purposes. The first approach processes satellite imagery as image-based information, where the data are qualitative. The second approach processes satellite imagery as data that contain numerical values for each pixel, where the data are quantitative.

The first approach is used in modeling as additional supporting information for model outputs. For example, hyperspectral satellite imagery can be used to map coastal vegetation types. This information is useful for identifying areas that are sensitive to oil spills based on results produced by an Oil Spill model module. The second approach is directly involved in the numerical calculations of the model. For example, wind data from QuikSCAT and SeaWinds satellite imagery can be used as model input data and as comparison data in the verification and validation process.

Various commercial and non-commercial satellite image processing software packages are widely available. The right choice depends on user needs and the capability of the software to meet image processing requirements. Using the appropriate software can provide a high level of efficiency and effectiveness to support modeling activities quickly and accurately.

Next Step

Share the need, location, available data, and the decision to be supported.

The CORZ team will review the objective, scope, data availability, risk level, schedule, and required outputs to prepare a proportionate approach.

Useful initial information
  • Location and project phase
  • Decision or objective to support
  • Primary problems and risks
  • Available data
  • Expected outputs and schedule
Value for Decision Makers

Planning a coastal or ocean project?

Share the location, objectives, key challenges, available data, and expected outputs. The CORZ team will help define a proportionate technical approach.

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