This is the first of three reports that analyze the advective transport in 
Monterey Bay, California using repeated surface velocity maps from 
high-frequency (HF) radar systems. In this part, the configuration of the HF 
radar network is presented. A basic description of the measurement technique is 
provided along with spatial and temporal coverage statistics dating back to 
August 1994. Spatial EOF modes of variability are presented that highlight 
recurring patterns related to variations in the alongcoast (upwelling favorable) 
wind forcing. These modes can be compared with the boundary influenced basis 
functions used in Part II (Kirwan et al.). Simple particle trajectories based on 
nearest velocity advection are presented, which can be compared with the 
trajectories derived from dynamical systems theory in Part III (Coulliette et 
al.). In all cases, surface particle advection in this coastal system is seen to 
be sensitive to the combination of background geostrophic currents, 
upwelling-related currents and current reversals, and diurnal to semidiurnal 
seabreeze and tide-driven currents.