In-situ Platforms
Beneath the satellites orbiting overhead lies an equally vital network of in-situ platforms—ships, buoys, autonomous systems, and coastal stations - that provide the ground truth essential to validating and enriching satellite observations. Together, these assets form the physical backbone of the Atlantic Ocean observing system, delivering high-frequency, localised measurements that satellites alone cannot capture.
From surface wave buoys and gliders to underwater autonomous vehicles and fixed observatories, in-situ systems measure critical parameters such as temperature, salinity, currents, nutrients, and water quality. When combined with satellite data and models, these sources enable detailed analysis and forecasting across marine sectors including navigation, renewable energy, ecosystem monitoring, and pollution response.
The following overview highlights key in-situ monitoring capabilities supporting Atlantic maritime innovation:
Research and Survey Vessels
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Research and Survey Vessels
Crewed research ships and multipurpose survey vessels remain indispensable for collecting high-quality reference data, calibrating remote sensing observations, and deploying autonomous systems. They support seabed mapping, oceanographic sampling, ecosystem assessments, and sensor validation missions.
Fixed Ocean Buoys and Moored Platforms
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Fixed Ocean Buoys and Moored Platforms
Networks such as the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and Atlantic mooring arrays provide long-term, continuous measurements of waves, currents, temperature, and atmospheric conditions. These data streams underpin predictive ocean and weather models, improving metocean forecasts and safety planning.
Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs)
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Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs)
Wave Gliders, Saildrones, and other uncrewed surface vehicles offer persistent, low-carbon observation of the ocean surface. They capture real-time information on winds, waves, temperature, and salinity—enhancing forecasting, pollution detection, and offshore energy operations.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
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Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
AUVs operate below the surface to map seabed topography and profile water columns. Equipped with advanced sensors, they measure salinity, temperature, oxygen, and turbidity, supporting offshore engineering surveys, environmental monitoring, and habitat assessment.
Drifters and Floats
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Drifters and Floats
Drifting buoys and Argo floats form part of the global ocean observation network, providing vertical profiles of temperature and salinity across vast ocean areas. Their data improve climate models and help predict circulation patterns and heat transport in the Atlantic.
Coastal and Port Sensors
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Coastal and Port Sensors
Tide gauges, current profilers, and coastal radar systems deliver near-real-time data in ports and estuaries. These localised observations are critical for navigation safety, sediment transport monitoring, and coastal flood-risk management.
Airborne and Drone-based Sensors
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Airborne and Drone-based Sensors
Drones and small aircraft complement satellite and in-situ networks by providing high-resolution optical, LiDAR, and thermal data over coastal and shallow-water zones. They offer flexible, rapid-response coverage ideal for mapping and environmental assessment.
Crowdsourced and Opportunistic Platforms
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ACrowdsourced and Opportunistic Platforms
Commercial ships, ferries, and citizen-science initiatives are increasingly contributing environmental data through onboard sensors and apps. These “platforms of opportunity” enhance spatial coverage, particularly in heavily trafficked areas, and improve situational awareness for maritime users.
Together, these diverse in-situ and autonomous systems provide the essential foundation for advanced ocean models, digital twins, and predictive analytics - linking directly with EO satellite measurements to create a dynamic, real-time view of the Atlantic marine environment.
