ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses operational oceanography from the ocean analysis and forecasting perspective and reviews the development of global operational oceanography and the unique contribution of satellite altimetry to it. It summarizes the history of operational oceanography development and describes the operational oceanography infrastructure and its applications and users. The chapter focuses on the essential role of satellite altimetry and the close relationships with the development of operational oceanography and examines general requirements for the satellite altimetry constellation. It addresses Synergies with other satellite and in situ observations and describes impact of satellite altimetry for operational oceanography. The chapter covers near real time data processing issues including the merging of multiple missions, use of mean dynamic topography, assimilation in ocean forecasting models, and impact of multiple altimeter data assimilation in ocean forecasting models. It discusses the evolution of altimeter technology and the future of the altimeter constellation as well as the long-term perspective on the evolution of operational oceanography.
