Evaluation and Improvement of Mini-Ranger Network in Monterey Bay for Oceanographic Purposes.

摘要

The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the accuracy of the existing Mini-Ranger network in Monterey Bay and to suggest means by which the network can be improved. This network consists of six stations located around the Bay and installed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Institute (MBARI) and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). In order to undertake this task, data were made available by MBARI which were collected on a cruise made by their vessel 'Pt. Lobos'. Additional data were gathered on a second cruise by the vessel 'Pt.Sur' of the NPS. The data analysis indicated network problems. An effort was made to identify these problems and to compute various correctors. In addition, an equation has been derived which enables use of Mini-Ranger data collected when signal strengths are low. The estimation of the accuracies obtained from the network through the various tests applied, and the conclusions drawn, can be used as a guide to future users of the system. Keywords: Precise position at sea; Theses; Range and position finding; MBARI; Mini-ranger network; Oceanography.