2008 Field Procedures Manual
The Office of Coast Survey, Hydrographic Surveys Division Field Procedures Manual (FPM) is a consolidated source of current best practices and standard operating procedures for NOAA field units conducting, processing, and generating hydrographic survey field deliverables.

The goal of the Field Procedures Manual is to provide NOAA field units with consolidated and standardized guidelines that can be used to meet the specifications set forth in the “NOS Hydrographic Surveys Specifications and Deliverables”. The FPM covers in detail: system preparation and maintenance including annual readiness review and periodic quality assurance of hardware and software systems; survey planning including safety considerations and letter instructions; data acquisition including sonar, horizontal and vertical control, and ancillary data; data analysis including software configuration and standard processing steps; data management including storage and security; and final field deliverables including digital and analog data and project reports. The FPM is a valuable resource and reference document for field hydrographers, technicians, coxswains, officers, and all others involved in hydrographic survey field work.

Like the “NOS Hydrographic Surveys Specifications and Deliverables”, the Field Procedures Manual is a living document. Rapid developments in technology and improvements in operational methods requires the continued maintenance of the FPM. Field units are actively encouraged to submit user input and recommended changes are reviewed bi-annually by committee. New procedures established between editions are implemented internally via technical directive.