Project Objective: To create geo-referenced images of the seabed.

Outline: To aid in the search for shipwrecks, we are investigating ways to capture and present geo-referenced images of the seabed. By collecting and time stamping NMEA Global Position System sentences and simultaneously collecting and time stamping NMEA depth sentences into a Notebook Computer, it is possible to create a file containing latitude, longitude and depth. Depending on boat speed, depth measurements can be recorded every 2m linear distance traveled. By loading this data into a GIS tool such as Surfer it may be possible to show detail of wreck sites.

We are also investigating the integration of the Magnetometer in order to overlay the geo-referenced magnetic field disturbances within the GIS software.

Project Status: On-the-desk trials have integrated a GPS and depth sounder and enabled the collection of raw data. Post processing has prepared a suitable file for uploading to display. On-water trials are planned (over a known wreck site) to evaulate the image produced.

Further Information Required: Support with GIS packages would be highly desirable.