Two Candidate Systems for Unmanned Fog Bank Detection

Details

• Creators:
  Lifsitz, Jack R. ; Ingrao, Hector C.
• Corporate Creators:
  John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
• Corporate Contributors:
  United States. Coast Guard
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Fog
  • Laser radar
  • Navigational aids
  • Radiometers
  • Remote sensing
  • Amtrak
• Publication/ Report Number:
  DOT-TSC-CG-71-03 ; PB-204 805
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Technical report
• Corporate Publisher:
  United States. Coast Guard
• Abstract:
  The detection of coastal fog banks by remote sensing methods is discussed. The feasibility of laser backscattering (LIDAR) and infrared radiometry is explored in detail. These techniques are analyzed theoretically and experimental data are presented supporting the analysis. A design study is carried out for several laser systems, considering safety, reliability, cost, convenience, efficiency and maximum range. A fog bank detector utilizing a GaAs laser array is described which best satisfies these criteria. Before the prototype design is selected, a brief in situ test program is recommended, using apparatus designed at the Transportation Systems Center under Contract No. GC-02/99-712104, with the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition to clarifying several critical questions underlying the LIDAR design, the proposed test program would allow further evaluation of the infrared radiometric method. The latter technique, if its reliability can be verified, offers the advantages of being simpler and less expensive for fog bank detection than the LIDAR method.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  CG-02/99-712104
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/11928/dot_11928_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 4.05 MB]
• Collection(s):
  Volpe Center
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:e7b45919536b238053f293d42fa5adaea405cc0bcff3662e032f4791beeb32ab