Near-Real-Time Synoptic Bathymetry From Standardized Vessel Depth Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uncertainty in waterway depths due to seasonal and daily changes poses challenges for navigation, as existing technologies lack a standardized method to integrate crowdsourced depth data from various vessels, leading to inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A system that transforms crowdsourced depth data to a standardized elevation using a vertical datum like NAVD88, categorizes vessel status based on the type of established elevation point, and creates a digital elevation model to ensure data parity across vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If crowdsourced depth data from multiple vessels is used, then data quantity and coverage are improved, but data consistency and accuracy deteriorate due to lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms depth measurements from multiple vessels by applying parameter changes: converting local depth readings to standardized elevation values using vertical datums (e.g., NAVD88), adjusting for water surface elevation variations, and normalizing to a common reference frame. This standardization process maintains data quantity while improving consistency and accuracy across all vessel measurements.
2Area of stationary object
If depth data from multiple vessels with different reference systems is integrated, then spatial coverage is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to varying vertical datums
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical datums (e.g., NAVD88) and water surface elevation data as intermediary reference systems. These intermediaries act as mediators that translate depth measurements from different vessel reference systems into a common standardized elevation framework, enabling accurate integration of data across wide spatial coverage while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If real-time depth determination is implemented, then navigation safety is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing vertical datum relationships, water surface elevation models, and transformation algorithms before real-time operation. During actual navigation, the system applies these pre-computed transformations to incoming depth measurements, enabling real-time depth determination with improved safety while keeping processing complexity manageable through use of pre-prepared reference data and standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for determining depths of a waterway are disclosed. A system may receive depth data measured by a vessel in a waterway, the depth data being a part of crowdsourced depth data measured by multiple vessels. To achieve a standardization of the depth data measured by multiple vessels, the system may transform the depth data to elevation data, the transforming based on an elevation standard and a location having an established elevation. The location may be determined from a bathymetric survey that includes the established elevation, a fixed point in the waterway, or a crossing of a track of the vessel with a track of another vessel having the established elevation. Waterway depths, universally based on the elevation standard, may be determined based on the elevation data.