A Geospatial Framework for the Coastal Zone National Needs for Coastal Mapping and Charting (2004) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
7 Conclusions and Recommendations
7 Conclusions and Recommendations
Pages 110-122
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From page 110... ...
COMMON NEEDS While the range of coastal zone mapping and charting applications is as varied and diverse as the user community, there is a striking commonality to certain elements of the community's needs, encompassing: · A consistent spatial framework for coastal data that allows a seam 110
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From page 111... ...
In particular, offshore features must be measured with respect to the constantly changing tide level, adding considerable complexity to coastal zone mapping and creating enormous difficulties in seamlessly merging onshore and offshore data. A multiplicity of tidal datums, and their dynamic nature, has produced ambiguity in the definition of the shoreline, creating considerable confusion and difficulty in integrating coastal zone studies and management.
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From page 112... ...
Bathymetric data in the shallowest regions of the coastal zone, where logistical challenges make data collection more difficult, are essential to provide the "missing link" between onshore topographic data and more easily collected deeper bathymetric data. Derivative needs that were highlighted by the community include bottom type, human-use, landcover, and time-series data describing coastal change.
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From page 113... ...
This database will provide the basic geospatial framework for all subsequent data products, much like the USGS topographic sheet basemaps
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From page 114... ...
Differences between agency missions, onshore topographic versus offshore bathymetric mapping techniques, differing vertical reference frames, and the inherent difficulty of collecting source data in the surf and intertidal zones have combined to produce this fundamental incompatibility. It will be impossible to properly understand processes, undertake planning, and establish boundaries in the coastal zone while two sets of disparate and non-convergent maps and charts are being separately maintained.
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From page 115... ...
This project has also demonstrated both the inherent complexity of such an undertaking and the substantial benefits that arise from interagency collaboration and coordination. Recommendation 1: In order to combine onshore and offshore data in a seamless geodetic framework, a national project to apply Vdatum tools should be initiated.
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From page 116... ...
However, these sites still represent only a small percentage of existing coastal zone data. Recommendation 3: A single Web portal should be established to facilitate access to all coastal mapping and charting data and derived products.
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From page 117... ...
Integration of data and assessment of data quality are made possible by the establishment of data and metadata standards and the application of tools for data transformation. Recommendation 4: All thematic data and other value-added products should adhere to predetermined standards to make them universally accessible and transferable through a central Web portal.
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From page 118... ...
In the area of coastal zone mapping and charting, the large number of agencies involved, their differing histories, the breadth of their mandates, and the complexity of the task offer ample opportunities for redundancy and inefficiency. Because data acquisition is unquestionably the most expensive aspect of coastal zone mapping, elimination of redundancy and overlap in this area is likely to yield large savings.
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From page 119... ...
. A less appealing alternative might be either a new government office or an extra-governmental body charged with establishing oversight of all national coastal mapping and charting activities.
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From page 120... ...
The single most consistently cited need among the agencies and the user community is for enhanced bathymetric data, particularly in very shallow coastal waters. These data provide the basic geospatial framework for almost all other studies and are a key component for derived products such as offshore habitat maps.
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From page 121... ...
As well as the fundamental conceptual problem of reconciling terrestrial and tidal datums, there are also a number of logistical challenges, including shallow depths, waves, turbid waters, and longshore currents, that make it difficult to operate survey vessels and other equipment safely, accurately, and efficiently. Recommendation 11: New remote sensing and in situ technologies and techniques should be developed to help fill critical data gaps at the land-water interface.
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From page 122... ...
While simple in concept, implementation of the suggested strategies will require a focused effort on the part of the coastal zone community. If implemented, however, the committee believes that a major step will have been taken toward assuring the long-term well-being of the coastal zone.
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