Analysis of Sentinel-1 marine applications potential

Ship detectability modelling has been carried out for Sentinel-1, including development of a ship detectability tool that applies to Sentinel-1, RADARSAT-1, RADARSAT-2, and Envisat ASAR image data. Capabilities and limitations of the tool's predictions are discussed. Also considered is Sentinel-1's expected capability for other maritime applications, including iceberg detection, wind retrieval, oil spill detection, sea ice surveillance, and ship wake detection. In general, the Interferometric Wide Swath mode with its high spatial resolution and 250 km swath will be a useful mode for surveillance of the littoral zone.