NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : Distortion fusion of ground-based radar and satellite-based rainfall data

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose integrating estimates of rainfall from both ground-based radar and satellite microwave radiometers through the use of a distortion data fusion. The distortion representation of relative differences in coincident estimates is composed of a displacement and an amplitude component. The amplitude component calibrates the satellite estimate, whereas the displacement component corrects geolocation differences between the radar and satellite data. Additionally, the distortion representation enables seamless matching of the disparate spatial resolutions. The proposed application of the distortion technique to the integration of satellite- and ground-based radar rainfall estimates will be useful both for validating and calibrating satellite rainfall algorithms and for producing merged rainfall maps. The merged data sets will have a greater commercial utility than either source data set by itself. The project objectives are to develop, test and tune the data fusion algorithms. The results of the project will be an algorithm to fuse disparate data types, simultaneously providing a degree of automatic geolocation and calibration of the satellite data. In terms of NASA applications and benefits, these algorithms should be extremely useful in producing higher level data products from sensor specific data products.

Our approach enhances radar and SSM/I precipitation data. These data already have important applications for airline and airport operations, especially with regard to airline safety during landing and takeoff. These data are more generally of use for nowcasting. Our methodology will be of particular interest to work station providers and system integrators, that service these users. It will also be of interest to private weather forecasting companies and weather broadcast industry. The approach taken may also be useful to intercalibrate a network of radars, using the satellite data as a transfer standard.

Ross N. Hoffman
Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc.,
840 Memorial Drive,
Cambridge, MA 02139

Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc.,
840 Memorial Drive,
Cambridge, MA 02139