Ocean Optics & Biogeochemistry Protocols for Satellite Ocean Colour Sensor Validation, Volume 4.0. Inherent Optical Property Measurements and Protocols: Best Practices for the Collection and Processing of Ship-Based Underway Flow-Through Optical Data (V. 4.0).

Abstract

Optical data can be collected using the flow-through systems installed on research vessels and ships of opportunity to take advantage of the availability of sea water pumped into the vessel. These "in-line" or “underway” systems are able to provide data at spatial resolutions on the order of 10-100 m. As the number of research groups making these measurements grows, there is a need to provide coordinated data collection and processing protocols to standardize methodology and data quality. In 2015, a NASA-sponsored workshop was organized to share such knowledge. Here, we discuss the essential issues associated with in-line data collection, provide recommendations on best practices for collection and processing and report on available software.