Integrated Video Mapping System

Examples of CSA International's Marine Field Operations Services:

• Integrated Video Mapping System
• Side-Scan Sonar
• Subbottom Profiling
• Underwater Technical Services
• Vibracoring
• Coastal Survey Vessel
• 25ft Work Barge
• Environmental & Biological Surveys
• Offshore & Underwater Photography

Integrated Video Mapping System

Overview
Data collection and management during a field investigation can be a complex process. To simplify the process and increase accuracy and cost effectiveness, various data sets can be managed, combined, correlated, and analyzed as an integrated group. Continental Shelf Associates, Inc. (CSA) utilizes a computerized Integrated Video Mapping System (IVMS) to combine all georeferenced field data, including video and still photographs, into a consolidated project database. Data then can be efficiently categorized, queried, sorted, and retrieved to enable production of detailed reports, digital products, and maps. Data can be provided to CSA's clients in a variety of hard copy and computer based formats, including those compatible with several different Geographic Information System (GIS) protocols.

The System
CSA's IVMS stores and integrates geographic positions, video frames, still photographs, text entries (such as observer notations), and digital inputs (such as depth and water quality measurements) in a single database. Video data are recorded with X,Y coordinates of the camera position on time-coded videotape. Selected video frames can be digitized as color images, correlated, and stored on the system's optical disk. For each logged observation, a corresponding geographic position, instrument measurement, still photograph, section of video data, and digitized video image can be recorded. During field surveys, digitized images from previous surveys can be recalled and simultaneously displayed to allow real-time comparisons of data for repetitive monitoring programs.

CSA International's IVMS uses a "hierarchical classification tree" to classify survey observations. This classification system serves to standardize observations and facilitate a variety of specialized search and query commands to isolate project-specific data used to generate reports, digital products, and maps. The classification tree is established before the investigation and can be modified as necessary depending on real-time observations.

One of the most powerful aspects of CSA's IVMS is its capacity to graphically depict field observations and measurements. Positioning data can be entered into a full-featured GIS system simultaneously with real-time data collection, allowing precision mapping, graphical positioning on-screen, and the generation of high quality Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and GIS-compatible data products in a post-processing mode.

Advantages
CSA's IVMS provides several advantages not available through standard data collection and management techniques:

• Data Integration - All project data can be collected and correlated in a consolidated database to enable search and query commands to isolate information and identify complex trends. Reports and graphic products can be generated based on database queries and searches.
• PC-VCR Recording - Video and positioning data can be stored for cost-effective, computer-assisted analysis of video footage.
• Image Digitization - Video data frames can be digitized and stored as color images. Previously archived images can be viewed on screen during follow-up surveys to ensure replicability of data collection efforts.
• Hierarchical Classification - Observations can be standardized, facilitating the use of specialized search and query commands. Project-specific data then can be isolated and used to generate reports, digital products, and maps with increased quality assurance.
• GIS Interface - Project data can be graphically represented. During a survey or in post-process mode, data can be logged in a full-featured GIS program allowing accurate and efficient generation of high quality maps and graphical outputs. Existing CAD and GIS data also can be incorporated into the system, enhancing accuracy and comparability of collected data and final products.

Applications

• Habitat Characterization and Mapping
• Sensitive Habitat Monitoring
• Damage Assessment
• NRDA Planning and Response