Aerospace: Satellites map the oceans: High-flying sensors can measure currents, map the ocean floor, plot winds at sea, and identify prospective fishing grounds

The applications of remote sensing are surveyed. These include measuring the wind at sea, monitoring sea-surface temperatures, studying current circulation in the ocean, tracking chlorophyll from the sky, monitoring ice by radar, and mapping the ocean floor. In addition, remote sensing is seen to be of particular value to fisheries research. A discussion is also presented of the development of and needs to be met by a data-processing and distribution system that can process satellite-derived ocean observations and distribute the data to potential users.