Operational Use of Satellite Imagery at the United States National Ice Center

The mission of the United States National Ice Center (USNIC) is to provide global to tactical scale ice and snow products, ice forecasting, and related environmental intelligence services for the United States government. To achieve its mission, the USNIC relies heavily on an array of satellite imagery, but one imagery type in particular provides all-weather capabilities which enables the USNIC to consistently achieve accurate analyses. Space-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a critical data source for analyzing and mapping sea and lake ice around the world. SAR is a form of active remote sensing that uses side-looking radar to create high resolution imagery. The USNIC values this type of remote sensing for its ability to “see” through clouds, giving analysts the ability to analyze areas completely occluded to satellites that use the visible spectrum. The USNIC currently utilizes data from SAR instruments aboard three satellites, Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-1B, and RADARSAT-2 (RS2).

Currently, the USNIC acquires SAR data from two sources: the Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) and commercial SAR data purchased from MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA). The USNIC’s commercial RS2 SAR data acquisition is strategized, conducted, and coordinated via the USNIC SAR Order Desk. Satellite imagery ordered through the USNIC SAR Order Desk directly supports operations, and provides SAR data access to its North American Ice Service partners and other NOAA Offices including the National Weather Service Alaska Sea Ice Program and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB).

The coordination between the USNIC Ice Analysts, SAR Order Desk Supervisor, MDA associates, and end users allows the Center to order RS2 SAR imagery only where it provides the most value toward operational products and services. This efficient coordination process allows our end users to receive timely data that is required for mission operations and saves resources for the USNIC and end users. This poster will provide an overview of USNIC satellite imagery utilization along with an in depth examination of the USNIC’s SAR Ordering Process.