Characteristics and Trends of Ocean Remote Sensing Research from 1990 to 2020: A Bibliometric Network Analysis and Its Implications

Abstract

The ocean is of great significance in the climate system, global resources and strategic decision making. With the continuous improvement in remote sensing technology, ocean remote sensing research has increasingly become an important topic for resource development and environmental protection. This paper uses bibliometric analysis method and VOSviewer visual software to conduct analysis. The analysis focuses on the period from 1990 to 2020. The analysis results show that articles have been steadily increasing over the past two decades. Scholars and researchers form the United States, China and Europe (mainly Western European countries), as well as NASA, Chinese Academy of Sciences and NOAA have bigger influence in this field to some extent. Among them, the United States and NASA holds the core leading position. Moreover, global cooperation in this field presents certain characteristics of geographical distribution. This study also reveals journals that include the most publications and subject categories that are highly relevant to related fields. Cluster analysis shows that remote sensing, ocean color, MODIS (or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), chlorophy, sea ice and climate change are main research hotspots. In addition, in the context of climate warming, researchers have improved monitoring technology for remote sensing to warn and protect ocean ecosystems in hotspots (the Arctic and Antarctica). The valuable results obtained from this study will help academic professionals keep informed of the latest developments and identify future research directions in the field related to ocean remote sensing.