OPR-G380-TJ-15Approaches to CharlestonSoutheast Atlantic OceanNOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONH127661Approaches to Charleston Harbor Entrance ChannelSouth CarolinaUnited States200002015Captain Shepard M. Smith, NOAA Navigable Area2015-03-162015-05-032015-05-15Multibeam Echo SounderSide Scan SonarmetersUniversal Transverse Mercator (UTM)UTCAtlantic Hydrographic BranchNOAAH12766 was conducted in the locality of the approaches to Charleston Harbor entrance channel. The original survey area consisted of a single trapezoidal area. Figure 1 shows the general locality of the survey data submitted in correlation with survey H12766 per the most recent project instructions. 32.721414055679.363973444432.560151722279.8923728889H12766 Survey Layout and Coverage Area for TJ-OPR-G380-15, plotted over RNC 11528file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Survey%20Layout%20and%20Coverage.pngSurvey limits were acquired in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the HSSD.This project is being conducted in support of NOAA's Office of Coast Survey to provide contemporary hydrographic data in support of a new nautical chart in this area and in response to a harbor deepening project in the Port of Charleston which will better serve deeper draft ships transiting the area. This project was identified as priority 1 in the Project Instructions.The entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data.Six channel buoys caused MBES coverage holidays (Fig. 2). Each buoy was on station. The combination of 100% and 200% SSS imagery filled the gaps in MBES data with the exception of the area around the RW "C" sea buoy (Fig. 4). Holiday lines 135_402_1601 and 135_400_1615 were attempted; however, a gap remains approximately 11 m at its widest. It was deemed navigationally unsafe to acquire more MBES or SSS coverage around the channel buoys. Survey coverage was in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the HSSD.Six channel buoys caused MBES coverage holidays (Fig. 3). Each buoy was on station. The combination of 100% and 200% SSS imagery filled the gaps in MBES data with the exception of the area around the RW "C" sea buoy (Fig. 5). Holiday lines 135_402_1601 and 135_400_1615 were attempted; however, a gap remains approximately 11 m at its widest. It was deemed navigationally unsafe to acquire more MBES or SSS coverage around the channel buoys. DMPH12766 MBES Coveragefile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_MBES_Coverage.pngH12766 SSS Coveragefile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_SSS_Coverage.pngH12766 MBES and SSS Holidays file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Holidays.pngS2220401.700401.700401.70053.1800401.700401.700401.70053.18013.240000012.222015-05-032015-05-042015-05-052015-05-062015-05-15Refer to the Data Acquisition and Processing Report (DAPR) for a complete description of data acquisition and processing systems, survey vessels, quality control procedures and data processing methods. Additional information to supplement sounding and survey data, and any deviations from the DAPR are discussed in the following sections.S22220815Data were acquired by NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson. NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson acquired Reson 7125 SV2 multibeam echosounder soundings, Reson 7125 ROV multibeam echosounder soundings, multibeam backscatter data, Klein 5000 V2 side scan sonar data, Rolls Royce MVP100 sound velocity profiles, and Applanix POS/MV version 5 position and attitude data.Reson7125-ROVMBESReson7125-SV2MBESKlein5000 V2SSSApplanixPOSM/V v5Positioning and Attitude SystemRolls RoyceMVP 100Sound Speed SystemAML OceanographicSV&PSound Speed SystemReson SV-70Sound Speed SystemThe Thomas Jefferson acquired 53.18 linear nautical miles of MBES crosslines, equating to 13.2% of mainscheme MBES data. Crosslines were compared to mainscheme by creating a difference surface in Caris BathyData Base. A 1m CUBE surface was created using strictly mainscheme lines, while a second 1m CUBE surface was created using only crosslines. The depth layers of the two surfaces were then differenced. The minimum difference value was -0.694m and and maximum difference value was 0.89m. The mean was 0.043m and the standard deviation was 0.096m. Survey H12766 complies with section 5.2.4.3 of the HSSD (2015 ed). The Chief Hydrographer chose to exceed the specifications of 4% crossline coverage for validation at closer intervals when given the option of interpolating ERS holidays versus re-acquiring bathymetry.H12766 XL to MS depth difference surface statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_XL_Comparison_results.jpg0.00.125S222010.200Total Propagated Uncertainty values for survey H12766 were derived using a combination of: real time uncertainties for vessel motion; a priori values for equipment and vessel characteristics; assigned values for water level uncertainties; and field assigned values for sound speed uncertainties. The real time uncertainties for vessel motion include roll, pitch, gyro, navigation, and elevation. The uncertainties in these measurements were recorded as part of the POSPac post-processed Precise Point Position (5P) positional solution and were applied to the soundings via an SBET RMS file generated by Applanix POSPac. Uncertainties for sonar mounting and vessel speed were assigned using the a priori values found in Appendix 4, table 4.9 of the NOAA Field Procedures Manual (FPM) (ed 2014), and applied to the data via the CARIS HIPS Hydrographic Vessel File. Uncertainties associated with water level measurements and interpolation were automatically calculated as part of the TCARI water levels, and applied to the data during the Merge process. Finally, the uncertainty associated with sound speed measurements were based on the frequency and location of CTD casts, in accordance with the guidance set by Appendix 4 of the FPM (ed 2014). Total Propagated Uncertainties for the entire survey were evaluated to ensure compliance with section 5.1.3 of NOAA's HSSD (ed 2015). First, the maximum allowable uncertainty for each node was calculated using the equation: -Uncertainty/((0.5^2+((Depth*0.013)^2))^0.5). Second, the ratio between the actual uncertainty and maximum allowed uncertainty was found for each node. Out of 37,710,253 nodes, 207 did not meet IHO order 1 standards (or 99.99% meet IHO order 1 uncertainty requirements). The nodes that do not meet IHO order 1 standards are located within the channel on dredge scour. A custom layer was created for the finalized surface submitted in correlation with survey H12766. The layer was derived from the difference between the calculated uncertainties of individual nodes and the allowable uncertainty at the coupled node. This layer was examined using the CARIS QC report tool. The resulting statistical analysis identified 100% of nodes within H12766 met the vertical uncertainty standards of Section 5.1.3 of the 2015 Hydrographic Survey Specifications and Deliverables.H12766 Uncertainty standardsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_MB_1m_MLLW_Final_TVU_QC.pngFour concurrent surveys were acquired during the same relative time frame of acquisition of H12766: H12779, H12804, H12795, and H12794. Depth comparisons were made using a CARIS HIPS generated difference surface as a check that the sonar systems and application of correctors were in agreement within 0.3m.H12766 Junctionsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Junctions.jpgH12779200002015NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONNWThe difference between survey H12766 and the junction survey H12779 ranged from -4.950m to 1.175m. The mean was 0.081m and the standard deviation was 0.102m. When differenced, 98.58% of sounding nodes agree within 0.3m. This is a survey that is still being worked on and edited. H12766 and Junction H12779 Statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_H12799_Junction_Results.jpgH12804200002015NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONNThe difference between survey H12766 and the junction survey H12804 ranged from -0.425m to 0.807m. The mean was 0.017m and the standard deviation was 0.086m. When differenced, 99.94% of sounding nodes agree within 0.3m.H12766 and Junction H12804 Statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_H12804_Junction_Results.jpgH12795200002015NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONSThe difference between survey H12766 and the junction survey H12795 ranged from -0.357m to 0.584m. The mean was -0.055m and the standard deviation was 0.068m. When differenced, 99.85% of sounding nodes agree within 0.3 m.H12766 and Junction H12795 Statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_H12795_Junction_Results.jpgH12794200002015NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONSEThe difference between survey H12766 and the junction survey H12794 ranged from -0.122m to 0.396m. The mean was 0.154m and the standard deviation was 0.106m. When differenced, 90.93% of sounding nodes agree within 0.3m. This is a survey that is still being worked on and edited.H12766 and Junction H12794 Statisticsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_H12794_Junction_Results.jpgSonar system quality control checks were conducted as detailed in the quality control section of the DAPR.None ExistThere were no conditions or deficiencies that affected equipment operational effectiveness.None ExistThere were no other factors that affected corrections to soundings.Sound speed profiles were acquired from S222 in accordance with HSSD 2015 standards using a Rolls Royce Brooke Ocean MVP 100 approximately every hour with efforts made to evenly distribute the casts spatially and temporally across the survey area. All MVP casts were concatenated into a vessel master file and applied to multibeam data in CARIS using the parameter of nearest in distance within time 1 hour. The sheet limits were changed after acquisition was started on sheet H12766. Some casts are are up to 5.5 kilometers from the new survey limits. The area is well mixed. No noticeable SVP problems are present. The following lines had nearest in distance within time 2 hours applied. 126_208_1536, 126_203_0017, 126_208_1516, 126_203_1640, 126_203_1600, 126_203_1620, and 123_912_1347. H12766 acquisition lines colored by the corresponding sound speed casts appliedfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_SVP.jpgAll equipment and survey methods were used as detailed in the DAPR.H12766 Density ComplianceDensity requirements for H12766 were analyzed using the finalized CSAR QA tool in the Pydro Contributions program. The Chief Hydrographer chose to exceed the specifications for object detection with set line spacing because density requirements were met and bathymetry was better represented using a 1m resolution. The 1 meter surface meets density 99.57% of the time.H12766 1 meter finalized surface density resultsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_MB_1m_MLLW_Final_Density.pngAll data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR.All sounding systems were calibrated as detailed in the DAPR.Backscatter was logged as a 7k file and submitted to the Atlantic Hydrographic Branch for processing. One line per vessel, per day was processed aboard the Thomas Jefferson in order to assess and ensure quality. No deficiencies were noted.CarisHIPS/SIPS9.0.13N/AN/A2015-04-14ProcessingCarisHIPS/SIPS9.0.14N/AN/A2015-06-07ProcessingCarisHIPS/SIPS9.0.16N/AN/A2015-07-24ProcessingV_5_3.3H12766_MB_1m_MLLW_FinalCUBE111.5921.09NOAA_1mMBES TracklineSBES Set Line SpacingH12766_SSS_100SSS Mosaic0.200N/A100% SSSH12766_SSS_200SSS Mosaic0.200N/A200% SSSMultibeam Data FiltersA swath filter was applied to the data to remove sonar side lobe anomalies in the RESON SV2 system. The filter used logic that rejected bathymetric data points beyond 60 degrees on either side of nadir. The filter was only applied to cross lines. All other erroneous data was manually rejected by the hydrographer during normal data processing and editing.SBET InterpolationThe following SBETs needed to be interpolated to fix vertical problems that were seen in the multibeam data. 2015_123_S222B 2015_124_S222C 2015_125_S222B 2015_126_S222 An example of how interpolating an SBET fixed noticeable problems is shown below. H12766 Surface before interpolating SBET 2015_125_S222B. The bigger offset here was by 2 meters while the smaller was by about 0.7 meters. file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_problem_areas.jpgH12766 Surface after interpolating SBET 2015_125_S222Bfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_surface_after.jpgH12766 interpolated areas of SBET 2015_125_S222B. The high bust had about 8 minutes of interpolation while the smaller had about 3 minutes.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/sections%20edited.jpgMultibeam BlowoutsMultibeam data acquired on DN126 had blowouts caused by rough sea conditions. Object detection for this survey is being met with 200% side scan sonar with object detection multibeam over developments. Example of multibeam blowoutsfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_MB_blowout.jpgArea of high node standard deviation and hypothesis count The area of high standard deviation in the middle of the sheet appears to be due to a combination of factors, with each line's GPS tide deviating in opposite directions. A few areas like this are expected given our probabilistic error model. The highest node standard deviation observed was 0.258m with a hypothesis count of 2. H12766 Node standard deviation file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_node_stdev.jpgH12766 Hypothesis countfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_hypoth.jpgAll vertical and horizontal control activities conducted during the course of this survey are fully addressed in the following sections. Per section 5.1.2.3 of the FPM (2014 ed), no Horizontal and Vertical Control Report has been generated for survey H12766.Mean Lower Low WaterVDatum2015_G380_VDatum_NAD83_MLLW_rev2.csarAll soundings submitted as H12766 are reduced to MLLW using documented VDatum techniques. If it is deemed necessary to change the water level reduction method to discrete zoning the following additional information will be useful: 1) The National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) stations serving as datum control for this survey is Charleston, SC (8665530). 2) The submitted water level files (8665530_Verified.tid) are the final approved water levels for the period of hydrography. These files have been loaded to all CARIS lines submitted as H12766. 3) The submitted tide corrector (G380TJ2015CORP.zdf) is the preliminary zoning file that was accepted as final per final tide note, submitted in Appendix I. This file has been loaded to all CARIS lines submitted as H12766. 4) A request for final approved tides was sent to COOPS on 21 May 2015. The final tide note was received on 2 June 2015, stating that preliminary zoning is accepted as the final zoning for project OPR-G380-TJ-15, H12766. North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)17 NorthChart comparison procedures were followed as outlined in section 4.5 of the FPM (2014 ed) and section 8.1.4 sub section D.1 of the HSSD (2015 ed). The ENC and RNC versions of the relevant charts were reviewed to ensure that the latest USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) has been applied. Chart comparisons for survey H12766 were conducted using a selected sounding set over plot removed to a map scale of 1:30000. In CARIS BDB, the soundings were then converted into a point cloud, from which a 1m interpolated surface was generated. Contouring was run on the interpolated surface and the results are listed below.115282574000012014-072015-02-172015-02-21Most of the soundings agree within two feet. There are small areas that are up to 7 feet shallower than charted. Other small areas are up to 6 feet deeper than charted. There is some shifting of the contours. New contours were created and are compared with the chart. A few charted soundings were not surveyed due to the set line spacing of the survey. The Hydrographer recommends updating all contours and soundings with the digital data from survey H12766.H12766 shallow area 1file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Shallow_1.jpgH12766 shallow area 2file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Shallow_2.jpgH12766 shallow area 3file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Shallow_3.jpgH12766 deep areas file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Deep_1.jpgH12766 contoursfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Contours.jpgUS5SC25M4000012015-06-172015-06-17falseA comparison was performed between ENC US5SC25M and survey H12766 via a difference surface between a TIN surface of ENC soundings, against a 1-meter finalized BASE surface. Analysis indicates the current survey to be generally deeper than the charted ENC soundings. Figure 26 denotes areas in which the current survey is deeper than charted soundings. Figure 25 denotes areas in which the current survey is shoaler than charted soundings. It is recommended that survey H12766 data supersede all charted depths in the survey area. Description of specific feature investigations and shoreline data are included in the Final Feature File.Shoal sounding differences observed between the ENC and H12766 are shown in blue. Depth ranges are in meters.file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Shoal.jpgDeep sounding differences observed between the ENC and H12792 are shown in blue. Depth ranges are in metersfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Deep.jpgNo AWOIS items were assigned and there were no existing AWOIS items within the survey limits.H12766 AWOISfile:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_AWOIS.jpgNo Maritime Boundary Points were assigned for this survey.No charted features exist for this survey.One uncharted obstruction was found. Consult the H12766_FFF.hob file for more information about the uncharted feature in the survey area.1H12766 DTON2015-08-20Danger to Navigation Reports are included in Appendix II of this report.No shoals or potentially hazardous features exist for this survey.Fort Sumter Range Channel runs through the center of this survey. All of the surveyed soundings are deeper than the controlling depths of the channel. Most of the soundings in the pilot areas agree within two feet. H12766 pilot area and channel depths example file:///H:/Surveys/OPR-G380-TJ-15/H12766/Data/Separates/Descriptive_Report/Report/DRImages/DRImages_Final/H12766_Channel.jpgNo bottom samples were required for this survey.Shoreline was not assigned in the Hydrographic Survey Project Instructions or Statement of Work.Comparisons were made only to the chart.Six ATONs are present in the survey area. These were all found to be on station and serving their intended purpose. No overhead features exist for this survey.No submarine features exist for this survey.No ferry routes or terminals exist for this survey.No platforms exist for this survey.No significant features exist for this survey.No present or planned construction or dredging exist within the survey limits.No new surveys or further investigations are recommended for this area.No new insets are recommended for this area.As Chief of Party, field operations for this hydrographic survey were conducted under my direct supervision, with frequent personal checks of progress and adequacy. I have reviewed the attached survey data and reports.All field sheets, this Descriptive Report, and all accompanying records and data are approved. All records are forwarded for final review and processing to the Processing Branch.The survey data meets or exceeds requirements as set forth in the NOS Hydrographic Surveys and Specifications Deliverables Manual, Field Procedures Manual, Letter Instructions, and all HSD Technical Directives. These data are adequate to supersede charted data in their common areas. This survey is complete and no additional work is required with the exception of deficiencies noted in the Descriptive Report.CAPT Shepard M. Smith, NOAACommanding Officer2015-07-27LT Joseph K. Carrier III, NOAAField Operations Officer2015-07-27ENS Diane Perry, NOAASheet Manager2015-07-27ST Kimberly GlombAssistant Sheet Manager2015-08-03