Enhancing the Utility of the Rapid Environmental Assessment Database Through the Use of In Situ and Modelled Data Sets During Q316

Abstract : The Rapid Environmental Assessment database (READB) is an assembly of ocean environmental data collected by DRDC Atlantic and its predecessors. The database was a result of a contract effort that combined temperature, sound speed, transmission loss, and ambient noise data into a single database management system. As well, the database contains bathymetry data and temperature-salinity climatology for the Scotian Shelf. The database is intended for use while ashore and also while at-sea. Trial Q316 was the maiden voyage of the database. During the trial, the database was used extensively by utilizing previously existing data within the database and by incorporating data collected during the trial. The database was used as a data source for other applications being used to assess the surrounding oceanographic environment. The trial also highlighted potential improvements in the coupling between the external data sources and the database. Based on the Q316 database investigation, numerous recommendations are made for the database, for the redesign of the database, and how external data sources can more easily be incorporated into the database.