106
Sophisticated technology like HabCam and other mapping tools are critical if we
are to understand how human- and climate-driven changes are affecting our oceans.
The Future Will Be Fascinating
I am now a Professor in the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of
Rhode Island (URI). In January 2019, I had the opportunity of participating in the
77th Multibeam Sonar Training Course (https://mbcourse.com/). It was a fabulous,
intensive week-long training on sonar theory, systems and more. The final day discussed the future of navigation, and it was fascinating. Our technology for mapping
the sea and shore has grown tremendously over the last few decades. As our data
collection methods improve, so will our ways to fuse and visualize the vast volumes
of information. Electronic nautical charts coupled with other satellite-derived information will allow us to measure and map dynamics of our coastal zones with great
precision in near-real time. Now, all large ships are required to have electronic nautical chart capability, and in the future, traditional paper charts are likely to be
largely just used for decoration. Integration of varied types of data in real time to
produce a more informative and effective tool for the navigator, recreational boater
Fig. 6.9 HabCam image of Atlantic continental shelf showing sand dollars and a fish on a sandy
seafloor. (Image by NOAA 2018)
J. P. Walsh
Sophisticated technology like HabCam and other mapping tools are critical if we
are to understand how human- and climate-driven changes are affecting our oceans.
The Future Will Be Fascinating
I am now a Professor in the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of
Rhode Island (URI). In January 2019, I had the opportunity of participating in the
77th Multibeam Sonar Training Course (https://mbcourse.com/). It was a fabulous,
intensive week-long training on sonar theory, systems and more. The final day discussed the future of navigation, and it was fascinating. Our technology for mapping
the sea and shore has grown tremendously over the last few decades. As our data
collection methods improve, so will our ways to fuse and visualize the vast volumes
of information. Electronic nautical charts coupled with other satellite-derived information will allow us to measure and map dynamics of our coastal zones with great
precision in near-real time. Now, all large ships are required to have electronic nautical chart capability, and in the future, traditional paper charts are likely to be
largely just used for decoration. Integration of varied types of data in real time to
produce a more informative and effective tool for the navigator, recreational boater
Fig. 6.9 HabCam image of Atlantic continental shelf showing sand dollars and a fish on a sandy
seafloor. (Image by NOAA 2018)
J. P. Walsh