Ocean Survey Planning and Tracking: Integrating Technology to Support Naval Operations

Author: Sharon M. Mesick
Organization: Planning Systems Inc.

MSAAP Building 9121
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
USA

Phone: (228) 689-8753
Fax: (228) 689-8499
smesick@nrlssc.navy.mil

A Survey Planner and Status Tracking System (SPSTS) prototype has been successfully implemented at the Naval Oceanographic Office. Using this system, scientists, engineers, and analysts ashore are able to evaluate the survey status and the performance of shipboard systems from ships deployed around the world.

The prototype is implemented in two integral parts. The Survey Planner functions include custom ArcView GIS extensions designed to create standardized survey plans using both menu-driven "interview" techniques and graphic tools. The Survey Tracking functions demonstrate a near real-time ship location/status capability using Navy messages, an Oracle database, and SDE, which provides data for analysts using ArcView GIS and end users using ArcExplorer.