A framework for a seamless depiction of merged bathymetry and topography along U.S. coasts

A seamless depiction of merged bathymetry and topography in the coastal zone supports multiple uses, such as hazard mitigation, spatial planning, habitat research, coastal change studies, and Earth visualization. Developing a robust, extensible depiction of elevation in the coastal zone requires an overarching framework of common specifications, procedures, and guidelines, so that multiple groups can contribute well-described lidar and sonar elevation data and integrated digital elevation models (DEMs) in a consistent way. The NOAA National Geophysical Data Center and the USGS Earth Resources Observation & Science Center have collaboratively developed such a framework for the creation of an accurate, consistent, and seamless national depiction of merged bathymetry and topography in the U.S. coastal zone. This framework, specific to square-cell “raster” models, enables shared development of coastal DEMs that are then made freely available for public use, such that users can seamlessly integrate public coastal DEMs built by different Federal agencies, academia, and the private sector. The squarecell, coastal DEM framework described herein is being tested by developing integrated bathymetric-topographic DEM tiles of the New Jersey coast and Delaware Bay that are consistent with and align with the USGS National Elevation Dataset.