Where does the data come from to develop nautical charts?
TOM LOEPER: Data comes from several sources to develop a nautical chart. Information on things like aids to navigations, such as light characteristics or repositioning of buoys, typically comes from local Coast Guard Districts. We may receive some updates from a Port Authority or local boating group like the Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides a huge volume of data to NOAA on dredging projects in channels and waterways. NOAA also receives update information from commercial mariners and the recreational boating community. In addition, the Office of Coast Survey does survey work with private contractors and our own fleet of survey vessels which includes the Rainier and Fairweather, which are in the Pacific, and the Thomas Jefferson and Bay Hydro II in the Atlantic. HOST: Tom, is data collection different or how do you handle updating nautical charts after severe events such as a hurricane? TOM LOEPER: Hurricane response is a little
