There are a variety of projects around the Hawaiian islands that
needaccurate offshore basemaps. These projects range from;
Marine disposal site studies - Maps generated from the multibeam
surveyscan show the location and movement of the dredge
material. Specific dumpvolume, area, and cross-section can be
calculated using GIS and other software. Coral reef studies -
The USGS has active projects in Mamala Bay, Oahuthat need
accurate bathymetric maps to help unravel the fate of
sedimentthat has been transported across the reefs and onto the
insular slope. Marine Sanctuary studies - The National
Oceanographic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) has recently
established the Hawaiian Humpback WhaleNational Marine Sanctuary
between the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, andOahu. Now
accurate bathymetric maps exist for this large area to help
understandthe morphology and geologic make-up of the ocean
floor. Return to survey selection map Return to home page