Investigation Report Detailing 19 Uncovered Incidences
In this edition of our publication, we delve into the current state of research on a crucial aspect of hydrographic surveying: the zero calibration point for pressure-type water level/tide gauges. This research aims to improve accuracy and stability over time by meticulously characterizing sensor behavior and environmental influences, with a focus on field-ready, precise calibration methods.
Calibration Methods and Challenges
Accurate zero-point calibration in pressure-type gauges requires injecting known calibration signals at multiple points (e.g., 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of the gauge range) and adjusting accordingly. The zero calibration is particularly sensitive because it sets the baseline from which pressure variations (and thus water level changes) are measured. Challenges include long-term sensor stability, environmental factors affecting pressure sensors, and the need for portable, field-ready calibration tools to avoid cumbersome setups like nitrogen bottles or dead weight testers. Improved pneumatic methods and electronic calibrators are being developed to enhance reliability and ease of calibration at zero pressure points [1].
Data Verification and Survey Integration
Countries carrying out hydrographic surveys update controlling depths and tide datum calibration through frequent surveys. For example, NOAA's hydrographic survey programs emphasize validation of depths and tide levels by adjusting for environmental changes, such as sediment shifts or changing sea conditions. They acknowledge that tides and actual water levels can deviate from predictions, which impacts zero level referencing for tide gauges. To mitigate this, they combine echo sounding calibrated with tide measurements and maintain ongoing surveys to update calibration references [2][4].
Adaptations in Modeling and Data Accuracy
In parallel to physical instrument calibration, hydrological models and routing schemes incorporate gauge data calibrated for zero reference points. This improves the fidelity of river and coastal water level modeling, which is crucial for operational forecasting and understanding tidal influences, further guiding calibration strategies in survey programs [3].
We would like to express our gratitude to the authors of this edition's articles for their valuable contributions. Collaboration between national agencies and industry for hydrographic survey capability is common in the UK, USA, NZ, and soon in Australia. Tender responses for the new Australian project are being evaluated, with the first contracts expected to be issued late 2019.
In other news, Project SEA2400 will commence in early 2020 in Australia to introduce hydrographic survey operations. A new project in Australia also aims to establish a panel of hydrographic survey companies for national charting program surveys.
The Editorial Board recognises the achievements of Commander Wadhera, a fellow professional in the field who recently passed away. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
Lastly, we hope that this edition of the publication inspires future paper submissions and contributes to the ongoing advancements in the field of hydrographic surveying. The Chinese research aims to establish a model for the zero calibration point of pressure-type water level/tide gauges, and two news items from the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) have been published, relevant to stakeholders and the wider oil & gas industry. A new Geomatics Guidance Note (24) has also been released, focusing on Vertical Data in Oil and Gas Applications.
We thank you for your continued support and interest in our publication.
- The research focusing on the zero calibration point for pressure-type water level/tide gauges in hydrographic surveying aligns with broader environmental science, playing a significant role in addressing climate-change issues.
- The hydrographic survey industry, in collaboration with national agencies, is investing in the development of technology to enhance calibration methods and ensure data-and-cloud-computing capabilities for more accurate results.
- As the effects of weather and climate-change continue to impact water levels, general-news outlets have increasingly reported on incidents of crime-and-justice involving oil-and-gas facilities, exacerbated by unstable water levels.
- Significant financial investments are required for the implementation and maintenance of advanced technology and precise hydrographic surveying equipment, spurring debate among industry stakeholders regarding the allocation of resources in the energy sector.
- The integration of data-and-cloud-computing and technology in hydrographic surveying has opened up new avenues for collaboration, with the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) working on relevant publications for the industry.
- The ongoing advancements in the field of hydrographic surveying, such as the Chinese research on establishing a model for the zero calibration point, are crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of oil-and-gas operations, as well as broader environmental science and climate-change initiatives.
