CHS Priority Planning Tool (CPPT)—A GIS Model for Defining Hydrographic Survey and Charting Priorities

Loretta Abado,René Chénier,Heather Martin

doi:10.3390/ijgi7070240

Abstract

This paper presents a geographic information system (GIS) model that the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) developed to prioritize hydrographic survey and charting at a national scale. Canada has the largest coastline in the world; determining its survey and charting priorities at a national scale is a challenging task, requiring sufficient data to provide national coverage. In order to achieve this task and manage the geospatial layers, CHS has developed a GIS-based model, the CHS Priority Planning Tool (CPPT). Geospatial information of navigational significance (e.g., traffic patterns, water depth, and infrastructure) have been compiled into a GIS model to identify where CHS’s hydrographic survey and charting priorities exist. Probability risk modelling, such as a risk of grounding and collision model, as well as a drift model, are included in the CPPT to ensure that CHS has proper mitigation measures in “high-risk” areas. Other environmental factors such as ice and wind speed are also included to help define national priorities for CHS. The CPPT is operational and is currently being used to define and prioritize CHS’s survey and charting requirements nationally for multiple years. A GIS web tool has been developed to facilitate accessibility for all Department of Fisheries and Oceans employees and to aid in decision making regarding CHS’s national priorities.

Highlights

Under the authority delegated to Fisheries and Oceans Canada under the Oceans Act, the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) is responsible for providing hydrographic products and services to ensure safe, sustainable, and navigable use of Canada’s waterways
The CHS Priority Planning Tool (CPPT) was created for national representation of priorities, but more importantly the tool addresses specific challenges faced by CHS in regards to surveying Canadian waters
Mo2s.6t.oPfrotbhaebiGlitIySRLisakyMeordsetllhinagt are computed in the CPPT are based on concrete hydrographic data, such as watMerosdt oefptthhe,GCISALTaZyeOrsCthsaut arrveecyomdpautate,daisn wtheelClPaPsTdaraetabapseudlloendcofnrocrmetethhyedCroHgrSapPhPicadpaetar, Charts

Summary

Introduction

Under the authority delegated to Fisheries and Oceans Canada under the Oceans Act, the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) is responsible for providing hydrographic products and services to ensure safe, sustainable, and navigable use of Canada’s waterways. 1000 paper charts are required to cover Canada’s oceans and navigable waterways Due to this large extent, shoreline complexity, and more than half its waters being present in remote areas such as the Arctic Ocean, collecting and processing data on Canadian waterways presents significant challenges. In 2016 the Government of Canada announced $1.5 billion for the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) These funds will be used to improve marine safety, support responsible shipping, protect Canada’s marine environment, and create stronger partnerships with indigenous and coastal communities. With more hydrographic data being acquired, it will be critical for CHS to prioritize and plan surveys and charting activities at a national level. The CPPT was created for national representation of priorities, but more importantly the tool addresses specific challenges faced by CHS in regards to surveying Canadian waters (i.e., ice coverage in the Arctic). This paper will present the methodology behind building the CPPT in a geospatial context, while presenting the practical uses of this operational model

Dataset

Marine Transportation Corridors

Risk of Grounding and Risk of Collision

Drift Model Analysis

CHS Major Projects

GIS Phase

Matrix Phase

Results and Discussion

Conclusions