Implementing glider observation strategies for Navy ocean observing systems

Glider Observation Strategies (GOST) is an autonomous system to guide ocean glider networks such that their observations are optimized for a specified mission class: tactical operations, feature definition, or sustained coverage. Forecasts of the ocean state, its variability, and its uncertainty are used to develop mission-specific cost functions indicating the relative benefit of combinations of observations at different times and locations. GOST combines these cost functions with forecasts of ocean currents to develop preferred deployment and navigation plans for glider networks. Glider pilots are provided with a time series of waypoints and their uncertainties as guidance for glider navigation over the next 24-72 hours. Examples from prior deployments show the impact of the glider observing systems on ocean forecasts.