Providing the Best Bathymetry to the Mariner

Advancing needs for precision navigation are driving requirements for more data with known accuracy and improved delivery rates. The International Hydrographic Organization S-100 suite of data layers will augment the traditional marine charting process that supplies bathymetry to the mariner. High resolution bathymetry will be supplied directly to the mariner from the local hydrographic organization in accordance with the S-102 standard.

In recognition of this shift from a product-driven workflow to a data-driven workflow, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Coast Survey has established the National Bathymetric Source (NBS). The NBS project combines the best available bathymetry to support both the next generation of charting products and precision navigation. This project is unique among other efforts to merge source bathymetry as the NBS evaluates quality metrics to determine a product that will directly support safe navigation. While it is challenging to consistently apply a physics based approach that allows for the inter-comparison of seafloor data collected with different techniques, carrying forward these quality metrics adds significant value to the information supplied by the model. This process is harmonized with Coast Survey’s process for evaluating the state of the national bathymetry and accounts for change in quality with time. The high resolution bathymetric product from the NBS in combination with the other S-100 marine models will transform the way the mariner navigates. The combined, gridded bathymetry and associated attributes can also support other efforts such as exploration, industry, science, regulation, and public curiosity.