How to succeed at hydrographic surveying and related services for multiple sheets in the Upper Cook Inlet, Alaska: planning, testing, training and attention to detail

Summary form only given. RPI conducted hydrographic surveying and related services for multiple sheets in the Upper Cook Inlet, Alaska, Spring/Summer of 1999. This task included the mobilization and testing of the multibeam system and all peripheral devices in the San Diego, CA area and eventually in Seattle, WA, prior to departure for operations in the Upper Cook Inlet. The mobilization included transformation of the fishing vessel Quicksilver into a survey launch, and the rigging of the mother ship, RN Davidson. The Quicksilver was converted from its fishing configuration to a state-of-the-art high speed multibeam data acquisition platform. The multibeam system consisted of a RESON-8101, integrated with a TSS HDMS via an RPI WinFrog multibeam software system. All phases of development and testing including accuracy verifications and procedures were continuously documented and recorded. Extensive training was conducted at RPI prior to the mobilization period beginning. The mothership was outfitted with multiple UNIX based processors integrated with a UNIX server operating CARIS Hydrographic processing and cleaning software with another team of highly trained personnel. The processing procedures were also extensively developed and documented. The vessels transited to Alaska and operations were commenced in a timely manner once the ice had moved out of the Upper Cook Inlet. In addition, RPI subcontractors LCMF and Terra Surveys have conducted tide monitoring and RTK data collection, respectively.