Download Holland, Matthew / Hoggarth, Andrew: “Hydrographic Data Models

UGI 2011
CARIS: A Bridge between Land and Sea Data
By Alejandro Gerones
Accounts Manager
Latin America & The Caribbean
CARIS
Fredericton, Canada
Phone:
+1.506.458.8533
Fax:
+1.506.459.3849
Email:
[email protected]
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ABSTRACT
CARIS: A Bridge between Land and Sea Data
The mapping of Nature and human activity, as well as economic development and
national growth planning are only a few of the many processes that require the use
of accurate information and data administration tools, allowing for an efficient
decision making process. This, in the end, would result in the preservation of life,
better disaster mitigation and the rational use of natural resources amongst many
other benefits.
The goal of having diverse and meaningful datasets available is not exempt from
technical difficulties. Disparities in scale, symbology and datum cause various
integration issues when these datasets are merged. Another issue becomes apparent
when the sea based and land based datasets meet in the coastal zones. Sea level for
topographic data is measured from mean sea level, while in nautical charts, sea level
is displayed from Lowest Astronomical Tide or Mean Lower Low Water. These
issues can only be overcome through a constant interaction with the software
development industry.
CARIS, a Canadian company with more than 30 years in operation and users in
more than 70 nations, is a leader in the development of Geographic Information
Systems and has had great success in integrating multipurpose datasets that can be
used in marine and land environments likewise, covering a wide range of fields from
Hydrography to Topography, from marine boundary delimitations to land
administration and cadastral planning.
The data base solution of CARIS allows for the creation of Digital Terrain Models
that are essential in the preparation of geographic data surfaces and 3D
visualization, as well as the storage and management of geographic surfaces and
cartographic data for its later use in the production of marine and terrestrial maps,
and ultimately data distribution online to a specialized core of users or to the wide
public.
In a world like today´s, having the right information in the right moment can be the
difference between success and failure.
The current paper provides details on how CARIS technology can be used to
integrate geographic data into intelligent, meaningful information to empower
organizations in their daily operations.
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
Combined land and sea data sets: content and use
Historically, land and sea data sets have been manipulated separately and the merging of
data from both environments was always a technological challenge. However, the
benefits of having combined datasets that cover marine and terrestrial areas are obvious
and any agency, particularlly those with interests in the coastal zone and willing to
extract the maximum information from their data, should explore its full potential. With
sometimes overlapping mapping responsibilities between agencies and therefore
potentially overlapping data, it is expected that if existing information can be easily
shared between stakeholders, then direct efficiencies will be gained. Efficiencies can be
achieved through the reduction of costly data collection activities and by implementing
the “Map Once, Use Many Times” concept for coordinated mapping efforts. Efficiencies
can also be gained through the use of technologies that facilitate the manipulation,
warehousing and sharing of spatial data to meet a diverse range of mandates.
The marine and coastal zones of the world host a growing number of overlapping, and at
times, competing uses and activities, including commercial, recreational, cultural, energy,
scientific, conservation, defense and security interests. The quality of life on earth is
determined in large part by an incomplete understanding of the interacting system that
operates in the world’s oceans and land areas. Increased understanding and control of this
system can be accomplished through the development of a robust and active program of
real time observations, data capture and evaluation, data management, data sharing,
exchange and improved access to information to underpin modeling and visualization of
the underwater and coastal environment.
Typical data content includes boundaries and limits, conservation and preservation areas,
marine habitats, oceanography, bathymetry, hydrography, geology, marine and coastal
infrastructure, wrecks, offshore installations, pipelines, cables, topography, and cadastre.
Along the coastlines, currently accepted data on climate change indicates sea level
change; incidence of storm events (which are becoming more violent and frequent);
higher wave energy and surges that have an impact on fixed structures, and significant
beach erosion and flooding inundation. Controllable and equitable use of coastal
resources for urban planning, renewable energy, tourism, conservation, preservation of
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natural habitat, and offshore, near shore, and inland navigation would greatly benefit
from integrated marine and terrestrial datasets.
As a software manufacturer, CARIS can offer Geographic Information System (GIS)
solutions that resolve technological challenges and mitigate associated problems.
Although we cannot solve the organizational challenges of sharing spatial information
between various stakeholders , we do understand the challenges and their importance.

Bathy DataBASE: the right tool for the task
Bathy DataBASE is a solution developed by CARIS for the purposes of handling
extensive elevation datasets, both bathymetric and terrestrial, and producing cartographic
/ vector objects and representations that will make their way onto navigational charts,
topographic maps and other products.
It is designed to manipulate, analyze and compile processed elevation data using intuitive
CARIS tools.and can incorporate all sources of data from historical fieldsheets and maps
to the latest high density multibeam and airborne LiDAR surveys in a single relational
database. . More importantly, the analysis and manipulation capabilities allow users to
compute differences between overlapping datasets, apply vertical shifts to resolve datum
differences and examine results in both 2D and 3D environments..
Bathy DataBASE not only bridges the gap between hydrographic data processing and
cartographic production, but also allows for the integration of multipurpose datasets that
can be used to map and visualize information for several purposes including the
economy, defense, cadastre, emergency response, etc.

Merging marine and land data sets: the challenges.
The use of several systems and formats imposes a number of obstacles on organizations.
Disparities between scale, symbology and datum cause various data integration issues
when these datasets are merged. Bringing land and sea data together as one continuous
surface requires new tools, new data collection, standardization of data specifications,
improved data management and dissemination, and education (with a view to ensuring a
sustainable outcome). One key area is datums as land based mapping and marine based
charting use different vertical datums (e.g. MSL for land; LAT for sea). A seamless
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geodetic framework across the littoral zone is therefore difficult to calculate and presents
a significant challenge.
Also, the use of multiple data sets can include time-consuming import/export routines
and make it difficult to effectively fuse datasets together into a seamless environment.
This in turn impacts an organization’s ability to maximize its spatial data. However, the
use of relational database solutions, such as Bathy DataBASE, allows agencies to
integrate, visualize, access and re-distribute data and provides a means to overcome these
obstacles (Fig.1)
Fig. 1: 3D topo-bathymetric maps of Mexico and Guatemala using Bathy DataBASE
Elevation data sources are stored in the relational datbaase along with pertinent metadata.
The metadata profile for the elevation data is based on the Digital Geographic
Information Working Group (DGIWG) profile, which references the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) 19115/19139 metadata standard for geographic
information. This allows not only for standardized metadata to be captured but also the
organization’s “specific objects and attributes”.
The information describing the
characteristics of each dataset facilitates the subsequent discovery of the database content
to support data exchange.
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
Merging marine and land data sets: the method
In the following use case, after evaluating the available sources, the land and sea data
were imported separately into Bathy DataBASE. Then, a TIN (Triangulated Irregular
Network) was created and surfaces were interpolated for each data set, using tools
available in the software (Fig. 2 and 3)
Figs. 2 & 3: Triangulated Irregular Network and interpolated surface after triangulation
In this example, over extended vertices of the TIN model were removed using TIN
manipulation tools, following the triangulation process to obtain a suitable model. The
TIN was then interpolated into a full resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) (Fig. 4 &
5) for each data set.These were then last combined into a single seamless model (Fig. 6).
Fig. 4: Water section of Bay of Fundy
Fig. 5: Land section of Bay of Fundy
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Fig. 6: Combined land and sea data set of the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada
The potentials this capability unveils are immense, given the fact that users can combine
data from several sources and formats into intelligent, meaningful datasets (Fig. 7) to
facilitate spatial planning, management and decision support in the coastal zone.
Fig. 7: Satellite image 3D overlay on topo-bathymetric surface of the eastern portion of
the Bay of Fundy, depicting a power plant and access roads.
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
SDI: the ultimate goal of data merging
A Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) is a framework of information and processes that
provides the evidence to support plans for development in the most suitable sites for a
range or class of activities. It provides the information that will reduce conflicts among
uses, reduce environmental impacts, facilitate compatible uses, and preserve critical
ecosystems to meet economic, environmental, security, and social objectives. Ideally, it
should establish a public policy process for society to better determine how the ocean and
coasts are sustainably exploited and protected now and for future generations.
National Hydrographic Offices are often the national de facto provider of resources to
carry out data collection and support required to populate data sets. This is provided
through the provision of vessels, oceanographic and bathymetric equipment, marine
geodesy capabilities, and qualified personnel. As such, Hydrographic Offices are well
placed to provide a key supporting role in the development of a Spatial Data
Infrastructure. It will also lead to the hydrographic office creating opportunities for
national engagement by making hydrographic, bathymetric, and coastal zone data
available to other national stakeholders who have a mandate that is wider or different
than safety of navigation.
On the other hand, National Topographic Mapping Agencies have a mandate to collect
and maintain topographic, cadastral and natural resources data, as well as establishing
procedures to diseminate this data, via public or private networks.
Quite regularly, both data providers fail to implement common policies and procedures to
integrate, display and distribute more complete information that would bring about solid
data infrastructure to the whole geographic data users community.
Spatial data is an effective tool in the management and study of marine and land
environments as well as their related resources. To maximize the use of spatial data, and
reduce duplication, it is important that agencies effectively store, manage and share their
spatial information. By doing so, stakeholders will be have an opportunity to benefit
from an increased level of coordination with related organizations and increase the value
of their spatial data holdings.
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The use of GIS solutions that provide an interoperable Relational DataBase Management
System (RDBMS) core, flexible data models, specialized tools and use of internationally
recognized standards allow agencies to meet objectives for various mandates. These
include safe navigation and charting, but also support Spatial Data Infrastructures to
facilitate defense and security, resource management, marine cadastre and coastal zone
management, urban planning and development, among other economic activities. The
GIS solutions ensure that the data is efficiently stored, along with searchable and
compliant metadata, which can then be shared (i.e. viewed and downloaded) and fully
interoperable for use within the organization, between organizations and/or the public.
Through the use of these specialized solutions, agencies can address the technological
challenges associated with an SDI (e.g. reconciling differing vertical datums) and place
their focus on organizational considerations to develop policies and promote the benefits
of spatial data to ensure long-term sustainability, maximize return on investment and
overall success.
The implementation of an SDI will act as the catalyst for the development of capability
and capacity to deliver an integrated approach to the management of the coastal zone,
oceans and seas. Such development can only be achieved through a partnership approach
involving decision makers, planners, scientists, technologists and users and that is
designed to drive real efficiencies in operations and activities and so deliver cost savings
and other significant benefits to government, commerce and the general public.
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SOURCES

Cooper, Paul / Pepper, John / Dr. Osborne, Mike: “The Hydrographic and
Oceanographic Dimension to Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure Development :
Developing the capability”. USA; 2010

Holland, Matthew / Hoggarth, Andrew: “Hydrographic Data Models and
Solutions in Support of MSDI” HDROIND-2011, New Dheli, India; 2011.

Hoggarth, Andrew: “MSDI: Workflows, Software and Related Data Standards”.
Canada; 2009.

IHO Spatial Data Infrastructures “The Marine Dimension”, Guidance for
Hydrographic Offices, Edition 1.0 – October;
http://www.iho-ohi.net/iho_pubs/CB/C-17_e1.0_Guidance_on_MSDI.pdf

Federal Geographic Data Committee: http://www.fgdc.gov/nsdi/nsdi.html

Guide
to
the
Canadian
Geospatial
http://www.geoconnections.org/en/aboutcgdi.html

Henriquez, Carolina / Jarvie, Elizabeth / Johnson, Tom: “TopoBathy Map:
creating and publishing”. GIS Technology Program, New Brunswick Community
College of Moncton. Canada, 2010.

Ryttersgaard, Jes: “Spatial Data Infrastruture: Developing Trends and
Challenges”. Denmark, 2001. http://www.uneca.org/disd/geoinfo/sdi_codi2.pdf
Data
Infrastructure:
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