How do we map coral reefs with a GPS?

Beautiful Oceans has developed a method that allows us to map coral reefs in-water with the help of GPS technology (Global Positioning System).

Traditionally, GPS uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals enabling GPS receivers to determine their current location, the time, their velocity and direction.

Since microwave signals do not enter the water, it is impossible to use traditional GPS receiving devices to pinpoint the position of a specific coral reef feature or to follow moving objects such as a scuba diver.

To utilize GPS technology in mapping coral reefs, Beautiful Oceans has developed a proprietary methodology that allows us to receive GPS signals to track our position while diving at depth. Combining latitude/longitude GPS coordinates with precise depth measurements, we are able to produce highly accurate 3-dimensional models of coral reefs.

As well as collecting GPS coordinates and depths, Beautiful Oceans collects other necessary data to achieve a high level of integration between 3D ocean floor modeling and marine biological information. This helps divers and snorkelers not only find their way on the reef, but also allows them to learn more about marine creatures and their fascinating behaviors that one may only observe in the water.

What steps are involved?

In order to produce GPS-derived maps with integrated biological information, Beautiful Oceans typically schedules 6 to 8 dives. On each dive, a specific task or set of tasks derives the necessary data. More dives may be necessary depending on the complexity of the coral reef structure.

For each of these steps, GPS data is correlated with depth information and entered into mapping software programs that produce a highly accurate 3D representation of the ocean floor.

A Beautiful Oceans graphic designer specialized in working with GPS data and imagery re-works each map manually to provide it with a realistic look and feel. The designer also integrates atmospheric illustrations such as banks of fish, scuba divers, a dive boat and particularly interesting species that can be observed on the reef.

Each map is custom designed, making it possible to include suggestions from the dive operator on Points of Special Interest and species to be highlighted. 

How long does it take?

The total time necessary for a reef mapping project depends on a variety of parameters; the number of reefs to be mapped of course, but also the complexity of each individual coral reef, meteorological conditions (GPS) and how often the dive boat can visit the reefs to be mapped.  Provided all conditions for optimal GPS coral reef mapping are met, it takes a team of two divers approximately five (5) weeks to do the in-water GPS data collection for five (5) dive sites and to prepare the data for the production of 3D coral reef maps. Afterwards, it takes approximately another two month in total to produce 3D coral reef maps in various formats for all five dive sites.

Beautiful Oceans works hand-in-hand with the dive operator prior to the launch of a reef mapping project in order to establish diving schedules that fit with dive operation constraints.

Beautiful Oceans offers the possibility to dive operators to participate in the GPS coral reef mapping process:

Discover Do-It-Yourself GPS Coral Reef Mapping, click here!