Wavelet analysis for wind fields estimation

Sensors (Basel). 2010;10(6):5994-6016. doi: 10.3390/s100605994. Epub 2010 Jun 14.

Abstract

Wind field analysis from synthetic aperture radar images allows the estimation of wind direction and speed based on image descriptors. In this paper, we propose a framework to automate wind direction retrieval based on wavelet decomposition associated with spectral processing. We extend existing undecimated wavelet transform approaches, by including à trous with B(3) spline scaling function, in addition to other wavelet bases as Gabor and Mexican-hat. The purpose is to extract more reliable directional information, when wind speed values range from 5 to 10 ms(-1). Using C-band empirical models, associated with the estimated directional information, we calculate local wind speed values and compare our results with QuikSCAT scatterometer data. The proposed approach has potential application in the evaluation of oil spills and wind farms.

Keywords: CMOD4; FFT; SAR; wind direction; wind speed.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Energy-Generating Resources
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated / methods
  • Power Plants / instrumentation*
  • Radar / instrumentation
  • Regression Analysis
  • Remote Sensing Technology / instrumentation
  • Wavelet Analysis*
  • Wind*