Autonomous Systems
CCOM/JHC researchers are exploring methods to automate hydrographic data collection and processing. Robotic vehicles, whether operating submerged or on the surface, can automate data collection when equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic survey gear and oceanographic sensors modified for use on robotic platforms.
AUVs
Since 2006, CCOM/JHC researchers have been exploring the applicability of using small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for collecting critical bathymetric and seafloor characterization data. Because it is nascent technology, a great deal of research and development will be required before these small, free-swimming robots become standard hydrographic tools.
Chart of the Future
The goal of the Chart of the Future Project is to investigate ways to provide more effective information to mariners in order to maximize safety and efficiency of navigation.
The CBASS wave-runner system increasingly takes advantage of the Center’s expertise in various instrumentation, including multibeam echo sounding and GPS-aided inertial navigation systems. Such systems will allow investigators to accurately examine very small-scale bedform evolution, bottom roughness, and shallow-water seafloor characterization for the first time.
One of the major efforts of CCOM/JHC has been to develop improved data processing methods that allow hydrographers to very rapidly and accurately process the massive amounts of data collected with modern multibeam systems. This data processing step is one of the most serious bottlenecks in the hydrographic "data processing pipeline" at NOAA, the Naval Oceanographic Office, and hydrographic agencies and survey companies worldwide.
At CCOM/JHC, data visualization research is conducted by the Data Visualization Research Lab. The lab has the goal of carrying out research into advanced interactive visualization with a special interest in techniques that can be applied to ocean mapping and ocean technologies in general. Currently, three broad strategies of research are the focus of the lab: the science of data visualization (experimental semiotics), tool building, and visualizations for education and outreach.
CCOM/JHC is collecting multibeam bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data that can be used to support an extended continental shelf under Article 76 of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The extensive seafloor mapping project grew out of an exhaustive desktop study of the U.S. bathymetry data holdings and identified several regions where new bathymetric surveys are needed (Mayer, et al., 2002).
Airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) is a remote sensing technology that is proving increasingly beneficial in a variety of ocean and coastal mapping applications. Lidar systems use pulsed lasers in aircraft to measure ranges to the surface below. The range measurements are combined with position and orientation data to obtain accurate, 3D spatial coordinates (e.g., latitudes, longitudes, and heights) of points on Earth’s surface, as well as elevated features, such as canopy and buildings.
Our Nautical Cartography research efforts focus on developing new methods to transform high-resolution ocean mapping data into safe, efficient, and reliable navigational charts. We address the complete charting workflow, from feature selection and generalization to product validation, uncertainty portrayal, and mariner-centered design. Combining automation, advanced algorithms, international standards, and close collaboration with mariners and industry, our work aims to support modern ENC production, enhance navigation safety, and prepare for future autonomous vessel operations.
Just as the Center has been at the leading edge in developing new tools to create three-dimensional bathymetric seafloor maps, CCOM/JHC researchers are developing ways to extract the geological component from the acoustic “backscatter” signal to characterize the seafloor. By improving the ability to remotely sense seafloor composition—coarse or fine sand, mud, rock, etc.—survey ships will be able to quickly and accurately map a diversity of seafloor habitats.
Much of the work at CCOM/JHC involves the use of highly sophisticated sonar systems like multibeam echo sounders (MBES) and phase differencing bathymetric sonars (PDBS). The Center constantly strives to better understand the characteristics and fundamental performance limitations of the systems we use, and to develop new capabilities for existing systems.
What is water column mapping? As with most things, it can take on different definitions depending on the user or application. At CCOM/JHC, it is a form of acoustic remote sensing that is used to explore aspects of the marine environment that are found between the ocean surface and the sea floor.