La mesure de pluie par radar : du calibrage par des pluviomètres vers l'interprétation physique des images

Radar rainfall measurement : from the calibration by raingages to the physically based processing of radar images

Division Eau, Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées BP 4129, F44341 Bouguenais Cedex

Abstract

This paper reviews the evolution of radar rainfall measurement. The research effort first focused on the calibration of radar images by raingages in order to benefit from the advantages of the two sensors : punctual accuracy of raingages, spatial continuity of radar images. This approach was shown to improve the quality of rainfall measurements by radar. Nevertheless, it has appeared necessary to develop algorithms to detect and to correct the main sources of errors which affect radar images. Significant progress have been performed in this research direction during the recent years. It is now possible to really consider radar and raingages as complementary devices. The application conditions of their combined use depends on various factors : user requirements, hydrological equipment of watersheds, quality of radar data...