High Resolution Bathymetric Mapping

Project Investigator: Mark Hansen Project Start Date: 2001 End Date: 2002 Scope of Work Data Metadata Publications

Summary

This project addresses the collection and reporting of bathymetric survey data for Lake Okeechobee.

High resolution, acoustic bathymetric surveying is a proven method to map sea and lake floor elevations. Of primary interest to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is the quantification of the present day lakebed in Lake Okeechobee. This information can be used by water management decision-makers to better assess the water capacity of the lake at various levels.

High resolution bathymetric mapping will be conducted in Lake Okeechobee by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with SFWMD. Survey trackline spacing will be 1000-meter apart orientated in a north-south direction. A perimeter survey line and several east-west lines will be collected. In addition, random crossing lines will be collected daily. Crossing lines serve to crosscheck and verify the survey. Soundings will be collected along each track line at 3-meter spacing. A minimum of 1550 kilometers of survey line will be collected. In shallow areas, data will be collected in a minimum of 2 feet water depth except where there is potential damage to the bottom environment or the boat/motors.

Scope of Work

• 2001

Data

• Lake Okeechobee Bathymetry Data

Metadata

• Lake Okeechobee Bathymetry data (data set metadata)

Publications

Maps

• Elevation Contours of Lake Okeechobee 2001