Testing of high resolution methods for the estimation of directional spectra of sea waves

Buoy networks aim at establishing near real-time data flow about the sea condition, with a possible direct interface with applications and services devoted to marine weather networks, with an expected significant impact on safety and efficiency. In this perspective, in the paper the estimation of directional wave spectra from buoys data is examined, with a special focus on directional resolution. Therefore, three methods have been implemented and compared, namely the weighted truncated Fourier series and two variations of the maximum entropy approach, by both simulated and real experimental data. The results of such a comparison are reported.