These modes are designed specifically for maritime monitoring and will enhance the capabilities of the Radarsat-2 satellite:
The Ship Detection mode. A mode that provides superior ship detection capability for ships 25 meters in length or greater, over areas as large as 450 kilometers x 500 kilometers in a single Radarsat-2 scene. The Ship Detection mode is ideal for applications such as monitoring illegal fishing and sovereignty protection.
The Ocean Surveillance mode. A mode that provides maritime monitoring capabilities for a variety of maritime applications. The Ocean Surveillance mode can image areas as large as 530 kilometers x 500 kilometers in a single scene. This mode also delivers ship detection capability, but includes monitoring of other ocean features such as detecting oil on water, ice and wind analysis and wake detection.
The Radarsat-2 satellite has global high-resolution surveillance capabilities that include a large collection capacity and high accuracy. The satellite acquires data regardless of light or weather conditions, provides frequent re-visit imaging options, and is supported by ground receiving stations that provide near real-time information delivery services. This versatility makes Radarsat-2 a reliable source of information in multi-faceted intelligence surveillance and monitoring programs.
(source: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates)