Evaluation of Arctic Multibeam Sonar Data Quality Using Nadir Crossover Analysis and Compilation of a Full-Resolution Data Product
Title | Evaluation of Arctic Multibeam Sonar Data Quality Using Nadir Crossover Analysis and Compilation of a Full-Resolution Data Product |
Publication Type | Thesis |
Year | 2014 |
Authors | Flinders, AF |
Degree and Program | Master of Science |
Degree | Ocean Engineering/Ocean Mapping |
Number of Pages | 48 |
Date Published | September |
University | University of New Hampshire |
Location | Durham, NH |
Keywords | Earth sciences; Artic Multibeam Sonar Data |
Documented and evaluated here is a new high-resolution multibeam bathymetry compilation for the Canada Basin and Chukchi Borderland in the Arctic Ocean– United States Arctic Multibeam Compilation (USAMBC Version 1.0). The compilation preserves the highest native resolution of the bathymetric data, allowing for more detailed interpretation of seafloor morphology than has been previously possible in existing compilations. The compilation was created from multibeam bathymetry data available through openly accessible government and academic repositories. Much of the new data was collected during dedicated mapping cruises in support of the United States effort to map potential extended continental shelf regions beyond the 200 nautical miles (nmi) Exclusive Economic Zone. Data quality was evaluated using nadir-beam crossover-error statistics, making it possible to estimate the minimum uncertainty of multibeam depth soundings collected from a wide range of vessels and sonar systems. Data were compiled into a single high- resolution grid through a vertical stacking method, preserving the highest quality data source in any specific grid cell. The crossover-error analysis and method of data compilation can be applied to other multi-source multibeam datasets, and is particularly useful for government agencies targeting extended continental shelf regions but with limited hydrographic capabilities. Both the gridded compilation and an easily-distributed geospatial PDF map are freely available through the University of New Hampshire's Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping. The geospatial PDF is a full resolution, small file-size product that supports interpretation of Arctic seafloor morphology without the need for specialized griddinglvisualization software. |