RADARSAT-1 SAR scenes for wind power mapping in coastal area: Gulf of St-Lawrence case

Mapping of offshore wind fields is expected to receive increasing attention within the wind power community in the near future to estimate the wind power potential on coastal areas. RADARSAT-1 satellite can be used for wind resource mapping in coastal regions at a high spatial resolution if wind direction data are available. This paper presents an approach to obtain accurate wind maps from RADARSAT-1 scenes on the Gulf of St. Lawrence using collocated data (in situ and QuickSCAT measurements) and hybrid model (CMOD-IFR2 with polarization ratio). We indicate the theoretical best configuration of RADARSAT-1 products for wind retrieval using a hybrid model. Based on a set of six SAR scenes chosen to match the most typical wind conditions, first results are discussed. Those results already indicate accurate wind estimation close to the coast. Also wind patterns over large area are available and can help to plan more accurate wind power measurements. Specific considerations of wind power mapping are reviewed and finally, future developments of the project are presented.