What is TeamSurv?
TeamSurv is a project where mariners help create better charts of coastal waters, by logging depth and position data whilst they are at sea, and uploading the data to the web for processing and display.
Why TeamSurv?
In the words of one of our supporters, a professional hydrographic surveyor:
"I had only just spotted your website today and must congratulate you on this fantastic initiative. I am sure it will grow and grow to the benefit of all. The truth is that whereas some waters are surveyed to death (shipping lanes into and out of ports, wind-farms, pipeline & cable routes etc) most of the marine charts that we all rely on are often little more than guesswork between widely spaced soundings, and many of those done 150 odd years ago with a piece of rope and a weight ! The least accurate charts are those inshore, including estuaries and bays where the seabed is changing dynamically and the finances to undertake wide-scale surveys in these heavily used areas are most difficult to find.
Kind regards & good luck with this very valuable project
Peter"
Peter Fox, Salveson Fox Hydrosurveys
In many countries around the world, coastal waters are inadequately surveyed, and yet these are the areas where most detailed and up to date information is required. Information on the state of surveying around the world is published by the IHO in their document C-55. In many countries, including the UK, the amount of coastal waters that are adequatey surveyed is below 50%.. The situation is caused by the high cost of hydrographic surveying - about €25 000 per square mile - and also because the remit of many hydrographic offices is aimed at the needs of large SOLAS ships and defence. TeamSurv is a way to help fill this gap.
What does TeamSurv Produce?
We show the data provided by all of our data loggers on the web site, overlaid over Google Maps. We are currently implementing corrections for tide height etc., and so shortly it will be possible to see both the logged and the corrected data.
At present we show the tracks of all boats, but as we get more data for an area we will be able to process this to create charts. At this stage we will also be looking at other formats for outputting of the data.
How does TeamSurv work?
As a TeamSurv data logger, you are provided with a data logger that automatically records data from your instruments. If you use a PC on board then this is our SmartLog for Windows software, or otherwise we will loan you a SmartLog USB hardware logger. Alternatively, if you use a Garmin GPSMap plotter with a user memory card, or PC navigation software from SeaPro, Software on Board, Expedition or Nobeltec, you can log the data using your existing kit and then upload it to the web site.
During each trip a log file is automatically created, and once ashore you upload it to the TeamSurv web site, where it is processed and combined with the other data and available for viewing.
Where are you Collecting Data?
Although at the start of the project we concentrated on a number of
trial areas, to get enough data quickly to develop the algorithms, we are now welcoming loggers from anywhere in the world.
How do I Join?
If you haven't already done so, first register on the site. This will allow you to see more information about the project and download the software logger, as well as allowing us to keep you informed of new developments.
Once registered, to become a logger you need to check you meet the requirements, and then just fill in the application form. This allows you to upload logged data and to have the loan of a hardware logger, if eligible.