On the Achievable Accuracy for Estimating the Ocean Surface Roughness using Multi-GPS Bistatic Radar

The signals from the Global Positioning System (GPS) reflected from the ocean surface have been considered for bistatic GPS remote sensing to estimate parameters including wind speed and height and roughness of the ocean surface. A variety of models, methods, and experimental campaigns have verified the level of viability and reliability of the bistatic GPS radars. In this article, we analyse the ocean roughness data inherent in the reflected GPS signals in terms of the ocean state and the number of visible satellites and the altitude of the receiver. This analysis provides estimates of the achievable performance in estimation of surface roughness. The error analysis considers different surface wind speeds and the impact of surface roughness on the state estimation error. Real position data of observed satellites are used to estimate the achievable performance in a certain area over 24 hours. The reliability of the results for airborne and spaceborne receivers is discussed.