Case Studies

Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Marine Institute Pioneers Ocean Mapping Degree

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In 2010, the Marine Institute launched an undergraduate program that is the fi rst of its kind: a joint bachelor's degree and diploma of technology focused on ocean mapping. Students gain advanced technical skills in hydrographic survey, GIS and remote sensing as part of an overarching curriculum in oceanographic science. The program was developed in close collaboration with the Institute's industry and academic partners. Through a three-year planning process, they helped to defi ne the training needed to fi ll mid-level skilled positions in ocean mapping. Essentially, graduates of the program are equipped to use the latest technologies and methods for collecting ocean data and delivering the data to industry personnel, scientists or the public in useful formats. Because ArcGIS provides a comprehensive platform for collecting, analyzing and disseminating ocean data, Esri technology is an essential component of the curriculum. Students utilize the complete ArcGIS platform, receiving training in desktop GIS including ArcGIS Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst, server GIS including the ArcGIS Image Extension for Server and ArcSDE, and mobile GIS including ArcGIS for Windows Mobile and ArcPad. Students also use ArcGIS for Maritime charting and bathymetry software to create charts and manage data. The curriculum includes an intensive work term during the third year of the program. Students spend a semester applying their skills as ocean mapping technicians within organizations such as offshore survey companies and hydrographic data processing companies. By the time they complete their degrees, they have gained valuable real-world experience and professional connections. Benefi ts The inaugural graduates of the ocean mapping program are entering the workforce with a unique combination of skills and experience that can't be gained through any other program. They are specialists in the collection of oceanographic information including bathymetric, physical, chemical, environmental and biological data; and they can process and disseminate the data in whatever method may be required. Besides advanced GIS skills, they are trained in sonar technology, surveying, programming and mapping standards. The ocean mapping degree's accreditations demonstrate the support and confi dence of respected industry and educational organizations. This accredited bachelor of technology degree is also recognized in geomatics by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board. Industry demand for the program's graduates is already apparent. The number of internship positions companies offer during the students' work terms exceeds the number of students currently available. These industry partners hope to be some of the fi rst to attract the Institute's specially trained graduates to much-needed positions as professional ocean mapping technicians. Bathymetry vs. Nautical Chart Accuracy Depth Uncertainty 95% 21.78m 12.10m 29.96m 7.62m 6.46m 12.50m 1.44m the of on the a 30-90m Figure 2: Comparison of chart contour lines with calculated multibeam contour lines Figure 3: CHS nautical chart 484802 Refer to figure 2 for scale Discussion/conclusion The multibeam data collected between April 30th and May 8th verified that many of the contour depths shown on the CHS nautical chart were accurately displayed with only minor inaccuracies. One common trend was that contour lines of steep slopes were more inaccurate due to the separating of close contours on the chart for easier viewing. Another reason for inaccuracies is the interpolation between the point data collected for the chart, the multibeam system avoids these inaccuracies by collecting more points in the same area. Metadata Dataset Title: Multibeam Bathymetry vs. Nautical Chart Accuracy Dataset Reference Date: April 29, 2013 – May 8, 2013 Dataset Topic Category: Multibeam Data Abstract: The data shown was collected and processed in Holyrood Bay by students in the Ocean Mapping program at the Marine Institute. processed data was then compared the data shown on CHS nautical to measure the chart's inaccuracies. Acknowledgements I would like to give a special to instructors (Paul Brett, Paul Elliot, Doug Cartwright, and Dominique St-Hilaire) as well as Clarence and Austin , captains of the Gecho II and BOSR, respectively. Matthew Smith Ocean Mapping Student msmith3@wave.mi.ca (709)687-2162 Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland 155 Ridge Road, St. Johns, NL P.O. box 4920 A1C 5R3 (800)563-5799 References Masry, Dr. (1979). CARIS HIPS and SIPS (Version 7.1.2) [Digital mapping software]. Fredericton, NB: University of New Brunswick. Available from www.caris.com Dangermond, J and L. (1969). ESRI ArcMap (Version 10.1) [GIS software]. Redlands, CA. Available from www.esri.com Klein, M. (1967). L-3 Klein SonarPro (Version 12.1) [Side scan collection software]. Salem, NH. Available from www.l-3klein.com Background Image Taken from CARIS HIPS and SIPS Figure 6: EM3002 Multibeam transducer (out of water) mounted to the Gecho surface sound velocity profiler (on the Figure 1: World imagery basemap from ArcMap of Holyrood Bay indicating a 3 meter resolution uncertainty multibeam result. Figure 3: Noise artefacts in the multibeam data due to fresh water inflow from the river next to the Marina (outlined yellow in Figure 1) from CARIS. The x-axis represents horizontal distance, y-axis represents depth and the arrow in the right hand corner represents the lines vertical exaggeration. Figure 2: The Gecho II dry-docked indicating the location of the multibeam echosounder. Other equipment onboard include RTK GPS (A), IMU (B) and Computer Software (C). Advantages and Disadvantages Gecho II is a vessel of opportunity and therefore is very limited in installation options. Advantage: Centre of rotation is at the IMU location. Disadvantage: Aeration/Turbulant Water/Lamineer Flow due to placement being too far too the rear of the vessel. Two GPS systems and a base station GPS corrects for heading errors. The RTK (Real Time Kinematic) component corrects for induced heave errors. As well as the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) corrects for roll, pitch and heave. Software on the Gecho II include POS-MV (Position and Orientation System for Marine Vessel) and SIS (Seafloor Information System). B Memorial University of Newfoundland answers the call for GIS-savvy ocean mapping specialists | Esri Canada 2 After two weeks of data collection in the fi eld, students use ArcGIS to determine how variations in sound speed affect sonar data. In an analysis of the advantages and potential uses of a new sonar system on a 28-foot vessel, students incorporate an echo sounding survey of a bay in ArcGIS. " Technology is the essential bridge between knowing and doing. Our students gain specialized training in GIS that enables us to utilize the ocean environment and resources effi ciently, safely, sustainably and profi tably." Paul Brett Assistant Director of Programs Fisheries and Marine Institute at Memorial University of Newfoundland Solution

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