Abstract
NOAA in partnership with the National Ice Center has constructed a near real-time data deliv
ery system for SAR imagery. One of the principal applications of this imagery is to support the
mission of the NOAA CoastWatch program; i.e., to provide near real-time satellite data to envi
ronmental resource managers, fishery scientists, and environmental analysts. There are two
CoastWatch applications of SAR imagery that are approaching operational status: (1) remote
sensing of ice on the Great Lakes and in Alaska coastal waters, and (2) monitoring of the spring
ice break-up on Alaskan rivers. The status of these applications will be presented. Also, the devel
opment status of other potential applications of SAR data will be summarized, including: (1)
high-resolution wind measurement, (2) mapping of oil spills, and (3) fisheries management.
