Innovation Helps Scientists Monitor Underwater Environment
Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have
developed an innovative method to track changes in the marine environment.
Members of NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) rigged a Global Positioning
System (GPS) receiver to a digital camcorder connected to a flotation device.
The camcorder is gimballed so its vertical axis points directly downward and
the GPS receiver is centered over the camera. The result is a device that
records and transmits digital images of underwater features that are precisely
positioned. The device provides scientists and others with an unprecedented
ability to monitor changes in coral reefs and underwater vegetation.
The Shallow-Water Positioning System (SWaPS), as it is called, recently
completed its first sea trial, helping scientists at the Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary map underwater features and monitor their changes over time.
SWaPS demonstrated its ability to record these features to an accuracy of
approximately 10 centimeters. This method promises to be highly valuable in
protecting fragile marine resources and assessing appropriate and equitable
damages for ship groundings that damage them.
SWaPS one page brochure
June 2002 SWaPS Update
Photo Gallery
Diagram of the SWaPS device -
Example of a SWaPS photo -
Photo of a SWaPS calibration test
Slide Show
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