1890 and 1990 Bathymetry of Florida Bay

Geodetic Control

Geodetic control in Florida Bay was lacking in number and geometric strength. In order to accomplish centimeter vertical accuracy, additional geodetic control needed to be established within the Bay. Thirteen new temporary ground-control points or benchmarks (surveyed to within 1 cm to 2 cm accuracy) were established throughout the Bay for use as reference receiver sites. The thirteen benchmarks were surveyed using Ashtech Z-12, 12 channel dual-frequency GPS receivers. Full-phase carrier data were recorded on each occupied benchmark in Ashtech proprietary BIN format with daily occupations ranging from 6 to 12 hours. BIN files were then converted to RINEX-2 format and position determined by the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory GIPSY system software. The GIPSY derived positions were provided in ITRF96 coordinate system for each (daily) occupation. Using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Geodetic Survey (NOAA/NGS) software HTDPv2.3, ITRF96 positions were transformed to NAD83/GRS80 positions. The computed daily positions were then averaged to derive a final benchmark location and elevation. Daily outliers greater than 0.05cm (in the vertical component) from the average were not included in the final average.

This CD-ROM contains bathymetric data collected in Florida Bay by the US Geological Survey, South Florida Place-Based Studies Program using SANDS (System for Accurate Nearshore Depth Surveying). SANDS is a USGS developed, high precision bathymetric system which integrates depth soundings, boat motion, and GPS positioning needed for nearshore bathymetric mapping. Data acquisition occurred between 1995 and 1999 on a 22' shallow draft boat. Processed data points are in X, Y, Z format and relative to the North American Datum of 1983 (GRS80/NAD83) and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88). Vertical control was derived from GPS data processed with Jet Propulsion Laboratory GIPSY software. Horizontal and vertical accuracies are within +/- 4 centimeters and +/- 8 centimeters, respectively.