Satellite navigation (e.g. GPS) signals reflected from the Earth’s surface can be used as a passive radar system to estimate sea state (wave height, wind speed, wind direction), classify land types, detect changes in ground cover and possibly other surveillance tasks such as detecting objects on the open ocean, floods on land and to track environmental incidents such as oil spills. UAV reflectometry technology being developed by Seaskip/UNSW represents a considerable improvement over existing sea condition measurement solutions currently available in terms of both spatial and temporal resolution.

This project aims to develop a working prototype GNSS reflectometry sensor payload for deployment on UAVs.

This project is part of the DMTC’s High Altitude Sensor Systems (HASS) Program, which will enhance Australian defence capability and build industrial capacity in sensor and on-board data processing technology for unmanned aerial systems and small-satellite platforms. See the DMTC website for more information: https://www.dmtc.com.au/our-activities/sensor-systems/

School

Civil and Environmental Engineering