To meet the needs of its three missions, the Shom conducts research and development programs to prepare for the future and improve data acquisition methods, techniques and systems.

It leads activities dedicated to measurement physics and observation techniques, in support of hydrographic surveys, oceanographic campaigns, observations and measurements by networks (tide gauge networks for RONIM sea level observation, high-frequency radar network for surface currents and sea states, for example). It also contributes to innovative sensor development projects.

The measurement physics theme therefore covers in situ, aerial and satellite acquisition techniques, studies and development of specific sensors, metrology and measurement processing.