Operational oceanography systems give a complete depiction of the world ocean in 3D by combining satellite observations, in situ observations and numerical models.

As a main satellite data provider CLS is involved in these systems and bring its expertise which CATSAT benefits from.
Thus, CATSAT model maps are derived from several numerical models. These specific products give near real time description of oceanic dimensions (temperature, currents) which take place below the sea surface.

3D fields of temperature and currents are collected twice a week. These fields cover the global ocean and are calculated and processed by software specifically designed by CLS. The aim is to obtain maps of temperature at various depths as well as maps of maximum shear stresses and maps of global surface currents.