Aquaculture Site Location and Mapping
Man-made structures provide higher signal returns than the surrounding water. The smooth surface of the water (darker tone) contrasts with the brighter return from the structures permitting the delineation of the aquaculture pen or fish pond.

RADARSAT beam mode - The optimum beam mode is dependent on the size and configuration of the structures and ponds, and the area of coverage required. Typically a Fine or Standard beam mode will be appropriate.

RADARSAT incidence angle - Larger incidence angles increase the contrast between the man-made structures and the surrounding water.

Look direction - Choose a look direction that will image the area of interest in the near half of the swath so as to avoid image quality problems.

When to acquire RADARSAT data - Data is normally acquired as part of a monitoring or licensing program. Detection of aquaculture sites is optimum under low wind conditions.