The hydrographic health model is a risk-based model that takes into account navigational risks, including both the likelihood of a risk (e.g. traffic density, known hazards to navigation, reported ship groundings, etc.) and the consequence of a risk (proximity to search and rescue stations, proximity to reefs or marine sanctuaries, etc.). The model also considers the necessary quality of data to support modern traffic relative to what is currently available, given the seafloor changes over time. Seafloor changeability takes into account the frequency of storms, current speed, and accumulation of marine debris, where the quality of data in highly changeable areas decreases faster than the quality of data in less changeable areas. Using historic knowledge of seafloor changeability, the model can also approximate the future quality of survey data and assess how often an area needs resurveying.
NOAA’s new hydrographic health model will ultimately be more transparent than the previous model, and easier to communicate to our stakeholders and the public. With the emergence of new ports, vessels with deeper drafts, and increases in the maritime user community, NOAA works to ensure the continued safety of maritime transportation.
The results of this model will be available online in a geographic information system (GIS) interface and summarized in an annual report made available on this webpage when it is completed in FY18.
During this transition period to the new hydrographic health model, please direct all questions to the inquiry system.