The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a contract with an estimated value of $12 million to Tenix LADS, Inc., of Biloxi, Miss., for hydrographic surveying and charting services. NOAA is an agency of the Department of Commerce.

Tenix LADS, Inc. will conduct Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) hydrographic surveying services to coastal and adjacent ocean areas of the United States (including possessions and territories), the Great Lakes and other inland navigable waters. LIDAR is a reliable, cost-effective method for collecting bathymetric and topographic data in near-shore areas. The one time, three-year contract is estimated at $4 million per year, not to exceed $12 million. Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2003. The contract will be managed by the Hydrographic Surveys Division of the NOAA Office of Coast Survey.

Much of the work will consist of using LIDAR to survey the coastal environment. The information from the surveys will be used to update nautical charts, build forecast models, and for coastal engineering and development projects. Mariners and commercial shippers rely on accurate navigational information everyday for safe travel through our waters.

In the past, NOAA conducted hydrographic surveys in the nearshore regions using only launch vessels. However, that method is time-intensive, less complete and frequently a dangerous undertaking for the ship and crew. An aircraft flying in a LIDAR system over a shallow coastal environment can cover 10 times the area of conventional launch hydrography, in the same amount of time.

NOAA is dedicated to exploring, understanding, conserving and restoring the nation’s coasts and oceans. NOAA National Ocean Service, which includes the NOAA Office of Coast Survey, balances environmental protection with economic prosperity in fulfilling its mission of promoting safe navigation, supporting coastal communities, sustaining coastal habitats and mitigating coastal hazards.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

NOAA National Ocean Service: http://www.nos.noaa.gov

NOAA Office of Coast Survey: http://www.nos.noaa.gov/programs/ocs.html