Data on hurricane surface winds are now available in real time from a variety of satellite sensors. Objective IR intensity algorithms, scatterometer winds, microwave sounders, microwave imagers, and low-level satellite cloud motion vectors are the primary data sets. More specifically, they provide estimates of maximum winds or wind observations at various locations, that are indirect measurements related to surface winds. Results of evaluation and validation of those observations will be presented. The goal is to optimize the available data for real time satellite analysis of the tropical cyclone surface wind field with sufficient resolution to also indicate the intensity as a maximum wind. In addition, results will be shown from a project using the NESDIS/CIRA Tropical Cyclone Infrared Imagery Archive, along with "Best Track" and aircraft observations. The objectives are to develop new IR image products and to document the capability of IR image data to diagnose tropical cyclone intensity, structure, intensification rates, and timing of intensity maxima. For example, observed intensity and intensification rates are analyzed with respect to the time of the first "eye" in the IR images.