GIS

Dubai completes hydrographic data survey of all marine areas

Dubai Municipality has announced the completion of a first-of-its-kind hydrographic survey of the territorial waters of the Emirate, conducted to generate comprehensive marine data in accordance with the specifications of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). The survey is part of the Municipality’s efforts to support the development of major world-class marine infrastructure projects launched by the United Arab Emirates.

The advanced marine survey boat was used for the project, the first vessel of its kind deployed in the country to carry out comprehensive hydrographic and geophysical surveys of deep layers of the sea floor across marine areas of Dubai. The survey covered not only Dubai’s coastline and its entire territorial waters but also parts of international waters bordering it. The boat, with an operational capacity of 72 continuous sailing hours, contains integrated stateof- the-art monitoring systems.

The project aims to develop nautical charts according to the specifications of the IHO, in addition to providing hydrographic data to international specifications. With the completion of the project, Dubai Municipality is set to become the first government department in the country to provide this global service. https://mediaoffice.ae

Marine navigation system to increase safety, commerce in Northwest

Mariners can breathe a little easier when sailing in and around Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state in the US.

The base is now fitted with a NOAA system that helps ensure safe and efficient marine navigation. The technology is part of a nationwide network called Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System, or PORTS.

Kitsap PORTS is the 37th system in this network of precision marine navigation sensors, and is the result of a partnership between NOAA and the U.S. Navy. The sensors track oceanographic and meteorological conditions as they unfold around Naval Base Kitsap.

Naval Base Kitsap is the nation’s third-largest U.S. Navy installation and provides base operating services to submarines, aircraft carriers, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the largest fuel depot in the Continental U.S. The Kitsap PORTS will help personnel plan for, and respond to, changing oceanographic conditions in the area. The system will allow all local mariners to have access to real-time water level, currents, and meteorological information, helping them better plan vessel transits and prevent accidents. noaa.gov

Seaforth Geosurveys adds iXblue USBL System

Seaforth Geosurveys recently acquired iXblue’s new Gaps M5 USBL system to support data acquisition for marine geophysical survey projects. These include one in the Canadian Arctic and multiple other projects, such as support of sidescan sonar operations during lost and abandoned fishing gear (Ghost Gear) identification and retrieval efforts.

Bluesky LiDAR data helps farmers apply for carbon credits

A new UK government funded project is using LiDAR data captured by aerial survey and mapping company, Bluesky International to identify areas of hedgerow and subsequently the amount of carbon captured by hedgerows, enabling landowners to claim correct levels of carbon credits.

Carbon Keepers is a UK fintech startup that has received a SPRINT grant, a government innovation grant, and has partnered with University of Leicester and Lowther Estate Trust to develop an algorithm that uses LiDAR data to identify how much carbon is actually being sequestered by hedgerows. www.bluesky-world.com