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Innovation Helps Scientists Monitor Underwater Environment

Photo of the SWaPS device -- click for larger image Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have developed an innovative method to track changes in the marine environment. Members of NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) rigged a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to a digital camcorder connected to a flotation device. The camcorder is gimballed so its vertical axis points directly downward and the GPS receiver is centered over the camera. The result is a device that records and transmits digital images of underwater features that are precisely positioned. The device provides scientists and others with an unprecedented ability to monitor changes in coral reefs and underwater vegetation.

The Shallow-Water Positioning System (SWaPS), as it is called, recently completed its first sea trial, helping scientists at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary map underwater features and monitor their changes over time. SWaPS demonstrated its ability to record these features to an accuracy of approximately 10 centimeters. This method promises to be highly valuable in protecting fragile marine resources and assessing appropriate and equitable damages for ship groundings that damage them.

SWaPS one page brochure

June 2002 SWaPS Update

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Diagram of the SWaPS device  -   Example of a SWaPS photo  -   Photo of a SWaPS calibration test

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