OPR-G343-FH-17Approaches to Jacksonville, FLJacksonville, FLNOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLERH129772Main ChannelFloridaUnited States400002017Matthew Jaskoski, LCDR/NOAANavigable Area2017-01-092017-08-312017-09-05Multibeam Echo SounderMultibeam Echo Sounder BackscattermetersUniversal Transverse Mercator (UTM)UTCAtlantic Hydrographic BranchNOAASurvey H12977 was conducted east of Jacksonville, FL in the recommended two-way routes for use by vessels traveling into or out of Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach.30.414462222281.14464530.297856666780.9639225H12977 Survey Limitsfile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/PRF_Sheet_Limits.pngThe survey limits for H12977 were adjusted as follows: 1) The western sheet limit boundary was moved eastward to account for coverage acquired as part of junction survey H12976 which was conducted in 2017. 2) The southern sheet limit boundary was extended to include the charted two-way route. 3) The northeast sheet limit boundary was extended to ensure adequate MBES overlap with junction survey H11821. See also Appendix II: Supplemental Survey Records & Correspondence.The purpose of this project is to provide contemporary surveys to update National Ocean Service (NOS) nautical charting products. The Port of Jacksonville has seen a drastic increase in container volume and will be adding a JAXPORT Cruise Terminal for Carnival Cruises. The harbor and channel entrance is in need of updated mapping to meet the needs of larger ships transiting into the Port of Jacksonville. The charts would aid in continuing to support larger, fully loaded Neo-Panamax ships transiting to the Port of Jacksonville.The entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data.All waters in survey areaComplete Coverage (refer to HSSD Section 5.2.2.3)All waters in survey areaAll MBES acquisition requires backscatter acquisition (refer to HSSD Section 6.2)Two (2) holidays occur within sheet H12977. The first holiday (30-22-34.28N 81-08-10.43W) was due to a spacing error while getting on line. This holiday occurs outside of required sheet limits and is covered by previous FH survey H12976. See Figure 2. The second holiday (30-24-18.08N 81-08-06.98W) is due to lack of line overlap. See Figure 3.Data gap which occurs outside of sheet limits file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/Holiday%201.pngData gap in 1m gridfile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/Holiday%202.pngS2500855.80000037.800855.800000004.40200040.582017-08-312017-09-012017-09-022017-09-032017-09-042017-09-05Mainscheme survey lines were run with a dual-head multibeam echo sounder. Linear nautical miles were calculated by dividing the sum of port and starboard total NM by two (2).Refer 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.S5037.73.77NOAA Ship Ferdinand Hasslerfile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/Hassler_stern_bow_clean.pngNOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLER (S250) acquired all soundings during operations for H12977.ODIM Brooke OceanMVP200Sound Speed SystemSea-Bird ScientificSBE 19plusConductivity, Temperature, and Depth SensorApplanixPOS MV 320 v5Positioning SystemTeledyne RESONSeaBat 7125 SVMBESTeledyne RESONSVP 70Sound Speed System*Note that the southern sections of four (4) crosslines extend outside of the sheet limits. This additional crossline mileage (which does not intersect with mainscheme lines) is not included in the final mainscheme vs. crossline percentage* A geographic plot of crosslines is shown in Figure 5. To evaluate crossline agreement, two surfaces of 2 meter grid resolution were created; one from the crossline depths, the other from the mainscheme depths. These two surfaces were differenced using CARIS HIPS & SIPS. The statistical analysis of the differences between the mainscheme and crossline surfaces is shown in Figure 6. The average difference between the surfaces is -0.09 meters with a standard deviation of 0.11 meters; 95% of nodes agree within +/- 0.18 meters of the mean.H12977 Crossline Coveragefile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_CrosslineOverview.pngH12977 Crossline difference statistical analysisfile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_MS-XL.png0.000.093ERS via VDATUMS2501.01.00.5H12977 junctions with H12976, which was acquired by the Ferdinand R. Hassler earlier in 2017 and is part of the current project. H12977 also junctions with prior survey H11821, conducted by NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson in 2008.H12977 Junction Overviewfile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_sheet_limits.pngH12976400002017NOAA Ship FERDINAND R. HASSLERWThe minimum and maximum depth difference between H12976 and H12977 is -1.74 and 1.25 meters respectively. The average difference is 0.11 meters with a standard deviation of 0.10 meters; 95% of the differenced nodes are within +/- 0.19 meters of the mean. Junction overlap ranges from ~250m to ~350m.Difference Surface Statistics for H12977 and H12976file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977-H12976_diff_stats.pngJunction between H12977 and H12976file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_H12976_junction.pngH11821200002008NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSONNEPrior survey H11821 was acquired via set line spacing. The minimum and maximum depth difference between H11821 and H12977 is -0.06 and 4.47 meters respectively. The average difference is 0.14 meters with a standard deviation of 0.13 meters; 95% of the differenced nodes are within +/- 0.26 meters of the mean. Junction overlap ranges from ~850m to ~90m.Difference Surface Statistics for H12977 and H11821. file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977-H11821_diff_stats.pngJunction between H12977 and H11821file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_H11821_junction.pngSonar 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 casts were acquired approximately every two to three hours via Moving Vessel Profiler and Seabird CTD.During the course of acquisition a total of sixty-three (63) sound speed measurements were collected via Moving Vessel Profiler and Seabird-CTD. Sound speed corrections were applied in CARIS HIPS/SIPS using the Nearest in Distance Within Time (NIDWT) selection with time frequency of 4 hours. Note: Manual CTD casts were taken for the last three days of the survey (September 3rd-5th) due to a frayed cable that prevented the use of the MVP. Due to vessel traffic, 2 (two) casts were taken over 200m outside of acquired sheet limits. One cast is located ENE of the sheet, ~415m from collected data, the other is located ~385m NW of collected data.H12977 sound speed profile locationsfile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_soundspeed_locations.pngAll equipment and survey methods were used as detailed in the DAPR.All data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR.All sounding systems were calibrated as detailed in the DAPR.Raw Backscatter was logged as s7k files and has been processed by the field unit as per HTD 2017-4.H12977 Backscatter Overview file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_backscatter_overview.pngCarisHIPS/SIPS10.3.3FledermausFMGT7.7NOAA Profile Version 5.6H12977_MB_VR_MLLW_FinalCARIS VR Surface (CUBE)Variable Resolution1627NOAA_VRComplete MBESH12977_MB_VR_MLLWCARIS Raster Surface (CUBE)Variable Resolution15.88727.703NOAA_VRComplete MBESA density analysis was run using the VR finalized surface to calculate the number of soundings per surface node. The results determined that greater than 99.5% of all nodes contained five or more soundings which meets the data density specifications. See Figure 14. A TVU analysis was run using the VR finalized surface. The results determined that greater than 99.5% of nodes passed. See Figure 15.Data density of the VR finalized surfacefile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_MB_VR_MLLW_Final.QAv5.density.pngTotal Vertical Uncertainty in the VR finalized surfacefile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_MB_VR_MLLW_Final.QAv5.tvu_qc.pngDesignated SoundingsH12977 contains 1 (one) designated sounding in accordance with HSSD Section 5.2.1.2.3. 0 (zero) designated soundings represent DTONs, and the remaining 1 (one) designated sounding was selected to accurately represent the seafloor. The designated sounding occurs over a "New" feature and is discussed in the Final Feature File. All data for survey H12977 have been reduced to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) using documented VDatum techniques. The Ferdinand R. Hassler is equipped with Applanix POS/MV position and orientation systems on the port and starboard hulls. Both POS/MV systems have been integrated with Fugro's Marinestar service, which provides real-time GPS correctors via satellite. The correctors are derived using a Precise Point Positioning (PPP) approach. The POS/MV data was post-processed in Applanix POSPac MMS to produce Smoothed Best Estimates of Trajectory (SBETs) and RMS uncertainty files using the method of Post Processed Precise Point Positioning (5P). See section 3.3.1 for vertical offset details. Additional information discussing the vertical or horizontal control for this survey can be found in the accompanying HVCR.Mean Lower Low WaterMayport8720218ERS via VDATUMVDatum_shapefile_xyNAD83-MLLW_geoid12b.csarNorth American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)UTM Zone 17 N Marinestar Solution - Vertical OffsetsAfter processing and applying Marinestar SBETS to port and starboard lines on H12977, vertical offsets of up to 40cm were discovered in the data. AutoQC results showed a few long periods where the ERZT SEP is ~20cm offset from that of the VDatum SEP. When data were referenced to MLLW via traditional tides, the offsets do not appear. Errors may have been due to satellite solution anomalies, but data fell within 2017 HSSD Specs and Marinestar SBETS were retained. Singlebase and Smartbase SBET's were created for test purposes, but were not applied to the data.Most extreme example of ERS SBET vertical offset; DN244; 15x exaggeration; 30-24-22.17N 81-06-24.49Wfile:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/H12977_ERS_Issue.PNG1m Difference Surface; data referenced to traditional tides minus data referenced to the ellipse.file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/Images/Tides_ERS_Diff.pngSurveyed sounding and contour layers from H12977 were generated from a 1 meter CUBE grid in CARIS Base Editor and compared with the largest scale Electronic Navigational Charts. Details for each chart comparison are noted below.US4FL50M8000092013-08-152013-08-15falseENC US4FL50M generally compares well with survey H12977. The surveyed 60 foot contour is slightly shallower than charted in the northwest and southwest corners of the survey. Soundings as surveyed agree to within +/- four feet as compared with currently charted depths.60-foot surveyed contour and soundings (blue) as compared to ENC US4FL50M in the northwest corner of H12977.file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/chart_comparison_working/ENC_US4FL50M_NW_Corner.PNG60-foot surveyed contour and soundings (blue) as compared to ENC US4FL50M in the northwest corner of H12977.file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/chart_comparison_working/ENC_US4FL50M_SW_Corner.PNGUS5FL51M40000282013-07-292013-07-29falseENC US5FL51M generally compares well with survey H12977. The surveyed 60 foot contour is slightly shallower than charted in the northwest and southwest corners of the survey. Soundings as surveyed agree to within +/- four feet as compared with currently charted depths.60-foot surveyed contour and soundings (blue) as compared to ENC US5FL51M in the northwest corner of H12977.file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/chart_comparison_working/ENC_US5FL51M_NW_Corner.PNG60-foot surveyed contour and soundings (blue) as compared to ENC US5FL51M in the northwest corner of H12977.file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/chart_comparison_working/ENC_US5FL51M_SW_Corner.PNGUSGA10M449659212013-12-192013-12-19falseThe eastern side of survey H12977 corresponds to ENC USGA10M. Soundings as surveyed generally agree to within +/- one fathom as compared to currently charted depths.H12977 surveyed soundings (blue) vs. ENC USGA10M.file:///S:/2017/OPR-G343-FH-17/H12977/Data/Descriptive_Report/Report/chart_comparison_working/ENC_USGA10M.PNGNo Maritime Boundary Points were assigned for this survey.Two PA obstructions and a PA fish haven were investigated as part of H12977 and are addressed in the Final Feature File. One new obstruction was addressed in the FFF, located ~500m NE of the charted fish haven. No shoals or potentially hazardous features exist for this survey.Survey H12977 was acquired over a charted precautionary area for northern right whale critical habitat. This "recommended two-way whale avoidance route" is annotated as Note D on chart 11488 and Note J on chart 11480 for use by all vessels traveling into or out of Brunswick, Fernandina Beach, and Jacksonville. It is recommended that the two-way route and Right Whale critical habitat precautionary area be retained as charted. Two (2) bottom samples were acquired as part of H12977 and are addressed in the final feature file.Shoreline was not assigned in the Hydrographic Survey Project Instructions or Statement of Work.No prior survey comparisons exist for this survey.*Note that the PA obstruction area feature (fish haven) is annotated in the ENC attribution table under "Information" that "The buoys marking these fish havens are not charted." No buoys were observed during survey operations for H12977.No overhead features exist for this survey.No submarine features exist for this survey.No platforms exist for this survey.No ferry routes or terminals exist for this survey.Abnormal seafloor and/or environmental conditions were not observed 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, 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.LCDR Matthew JaskoskiChief of Party2017-09-22LT John KiddField Operations Officer2017-09-22PS Robert ShortSheet Manager2017-09-22Data Acquisition and Processing Report2017-09-27