Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM)

The Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM) is a collection of ESRI® ArcGIS®-based tools that coastal and marine resource managers can use, with bathymetric data sets, to examine the deepwater benthic environment.

The spatial analysis functions of a geographic information system (GIS), such as ArcGIS®, can derive several products from bathymetric data, such as slope, bathymetric position, and rugosity. The BTM toolbar within the ArcMap® application contains tools that allow users to create these data sets and then define the relationships between them using a data dictionary that defines, or classifies, benthic terrain. In this way, resource managers can classify benthic terrain zones (such as depressions, flats, and slopes) and structures (such as narrow crest, open slope, and shelf ) at broad and fine scales.

The BTM was created as part of a cooperative agreement between Davey Jones' Locker Seafloor Mapping and Marine GIS Laboratory, Department of Geosciences at Oregon State University, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center.

Methodology

The benthic terrain classification process developed for the BTM was derived from several existing methods used within the terrestrial and seafloor mapping communitites. A central theme in the process is the creation of bathymetric position index (BPI) data sets. BPI is a measure of where a referenced location is relative to the locations surrounding it. When created, standardized, and examined at fine and broad scales, BPI provides BTM users with a useful parameter for terrain classification. Additional outputs created by the BTM include slope, rugosity, and classified benthic terrain data sets. A graphcal depiction of the process utilized by the BTM appears below.

Diagram of BTM project methodology

BTM Components
Benthic Terrain Classification Wizard

Benthic Terrain Classification Wizard — This tool guides users through the terrain classification process, educating them along the way through diagrams and an interactive help window.

 
Classification Dictionaries

Classification Dictionaries — These eXtensible Markup Language (XML) files give users the ability to create and distribute their own benthic terrain classifications by defining the relationships between input bathymetry, slope, and broad- and fine- scale BPI data sets.

 
BTM Tools

BTM Tools — More advanced users can skip the wizard and use the tools provided through the BTM toolbar within the ArcMap application. The following tools are provided:

  • Resample — Resamples input bathymetric data sets to different resolutions.
  • Create Fine Scale BPI — Creates BPI data sets at large scales, which can be used to classify smaller features within the benthic landscape.
  • Create Broad Scale BPI — Creates BPI data sets at small scales, which can be used to classify larger regions within the benthic landscape.
  • Standardize BPI Grids — Standardizes the BPI data sets, which in turn allows for easier parameter entry during the classification process.
  • Classification Dictionary Editor — Helps to create and edit classification dictionary files in a user-friendly environment.
  • Terrain Classification Builder — Initiates the terrain classification process.
  • Rugosity Builder — Creates a rugosity data set, which is defined as a measure of terrain complexity or the "bumpiness" of the terrain.

System Requirements

Software

  • ArcGIS® 8.x or 9.0 with Service Pack 2 (or greater)
  • Spatial Analyst extension

Hardware

  • 800 megahertz processor (1.5 gigahertz or greater recommended)
  • 1 gigabyte of free disk space

Download Instructions

Select the download link below. This will take you to the Davey Jones' Locker Seafloor Mapping and Marine GIS Laboratory's GIS Tools page. From there, select the Benthic Terain Modeler (BTM) link and either save the file or run it when prompted. If you choose to save the file (BTMSetup.exe), double click to launch the installation application. Follow the instructions to complete the installation process.

Once installed, you may access the BTM by clicking on View > Toolbars within ArcMap®, and selecting the Benthic Terrain Modeler Toolbar.

Consult the help documentation for further instruction on how to operate the BTM. It can be accessed by selecting the Help option from the Benthic Terrain Modeler Toolbar. Note: If a previous version of the BTM is already installed, it should be removed before installing a new version. To uninstall the previous version, use the Add or Remove Programs function in the Windows Control Panel, select Benthic Terrain Modeler, and then click Remove. Follow the instructions to uninstall the tool.

Download the BTM for ArcGIS 8.x and 9.0

If you would like more information on the Benthic Terrain Modeler, please contact Joshua Murphy via e-mail at Joshua.Murphy@noaa.gov, or Dawn Wright, Ph.D., via e-mail at dawn@dusk.geo.orst.edu.

 

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