GIS Dock Channel Management System for Under-Keel Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are slow and require manual intervention by technicians to produce maps and forecasts for maintaining adequate vessel under-keel clearance in ports and channels, which is crucial for safe and efficient marine operations due to the inability to visually assess water bottom contours and depths.
Innovation Solution
A Geographic Information System (GIS) application with a digital processor and database that collects and analyzes survey quality data, including water depths, to generate visual outputs and determine necessary dredge volumes for vessel passage, using dashboards for data entry, quality control, and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual survey and mapping methods are used to monitor water depths, then data accuracy can be maintained, but the process is slow and requires significant technician intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses satellite imagery and LiDAR data to create digital copies and models of the water bottom contours, eliminating the need for manual surveying while maintaining measurement accuracy through sophisticated algorithms that process the remote sensing data
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical surveying methods are replaced with automated remote sensing systems (satellites, aerial LiDAR) and computer-based processing, substituting human technicians with automated data collection and analysis systems that produce maps rapidly while maintaining precision
2Reliability
If traditional surveying methods are used, then data quality can be controlled, but the time required to produce condition information and forecasts is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection using remote sensing satellites and aerial LiDAR before actual marine operations begin, creating pre-existing digital models of water depths and bottom contours that can be quickly analyzed and updated without requiring time-consuming manual surveys when operations are needed
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional manual surveying and analysis processes are replaced with automated computer-based systems that rapidly process satellite and LiDAR data to generate reliable condition information and forecasts, dramatically reducing the time from data collection to operational decision-making
3Reliability
If comprehensive water depth data collection is performed, then operational safety is improved, but the complexity of data management and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GIS-based system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores water depth data, generates visual maps, performs safety analyses, and provides forecast capabilities through a single integrated platform, reducing the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a GIS-based digital intermediary layer that mediates between raw satellite/LiDAR data and operational decision-making, providing standardized processed information that simplifies complex data management while ensuring safety requirements are met through consistent data processing protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A Geographic Information System (GIS) with a digital process and database receives survey quality data, including but not limited to water depth information and location information, at multiple locations within an area of interest. The GIS processes that information and is operatively coupled to a user interface, namely a video screen device, to present the water depth and location information in color scale format. With entry of vessel information, including length, width, and keel depth, the system enables a user to determine whether sufficient water depth exists for the vessel to move to a desired position within an area of interest, for example a berthing area proximal a dock, or to carry out other marine operations.