Abstract

A Unique Approach to Bathymetry Mapping
Track: Water Resources
Author(s): Eli Long, Eric Chapman

Using a number of Esri software products, Western PA Conservancy's Freshwater Conservation Program has successfully implemented a intensive bathymetry mapping project for the rivers and lakes of western PA. This data will be a key piece of a comprehensive river GIS.

By using simple, relatively affordable technology, such as a commercial fish finder, alongside ArcGIS extensions Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst, WPC has captured data previously unavailable at this scale and level of detail.

Integrating track information logging depth and lat/long at a three-second rate, point shapefiles are exported that can be used to generate river bottom surface rasters, bathymetric contour lines and even fly-overs to be viewed in ArcScene or as a movie file.

The broad range of Esri tools allows the data to be analyzed by experts as well as easily disseminated to a broader public audience.

Eli Long
Western PA Conservancy
246 South Walnut St
Blairsville , Pennsylvania 15717
United States
Phone: 724-459-0953
E-mail: elong@paconserve.org

Eric Chapman
Western PA Conservancy
246 S Walnut St
Blairsville , Pennsylvania 15717
United States
Phone: 724-459-0953
E-mail: echapman@paconserve.org