Validation methods implemented to ascertain the positional data uncertainty of an indigenously developed drifter buoy-Pradyu

A systematic approach in implementing a suitable validation method which evaluates a newly developed product is highly necessary to ensure its continuous reliability and consistency of its quality^[1] performances. More specifically any sensor or instrument developed for the real time data collection and measurement of ocean parameters need to be prejudged and evaluated for its data product quality before its being suggested to use for the practical applications particularly for study and modeling of any physical phenomenon. NIOT has successfully implemented a high accuracy smart sensor GPS receiver module in its drifter buoy which acquires positional (Latitude & Longitude) information and transmits using INSAT modems. NIOT named this drifter buoy indigenization as Pradyu. Performed land based triangulation test method and deployment & comparison of drifters using the imported drifter from Marlin-Yug, Ukraine is carried out in Bay of Bengal. The above validation methods^[2] carried out confirms the drifter´s ability to follow and track the surface mixed layer current^[5] with a positional accuracy of ±10m. In this paper, the recent outcome of different methods implemented for validating the drifter is presented.