gov.noaa.nmfs.inport:77699 eng UTF8 dataset Office for Coastal Management resourceProvider 2025-12-09T13:25:19 ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata Part 2 Extensions for imagery and gridded data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) geometryOnly curve EPSG::4269 Gulf of Maine Benthic Habitat 2021 2026-01-15 publication NOAA/NMFS/EDM 77699 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/77699 WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link Full Metadata Record View the complete metadata record on InPort for more information about this dataset. information mapDigital These data provide several geoform data products for the Gulf of Maine derived from NOAA's BlueTopo bathymetric grid products. The spatial domain of these data extends from the landward limit of BlueTopo tiles seaward to the 24-nautical-mile Contiguous Zone boundary. These data support coordinated ocean planning among three state partnership agencies, between state and federal organizations, and for the public at large. The Gulf of Maine is an area rich in history, natural resources, and ocean uses. Effective planning for new infrastructure and changes in ocean use requires accurate data and collaboration among multiple stakeholders and resource management organizations. To address long-expressed regional needs, NOAA's Office for Coastal Management collaborated with the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to develop a regional geomorphology dataset. This dataset serves as a framework for collaborative planning and assessment. Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoforms for the area were generated using NOAA's BlueTopo bathymetric products. Semiautomated methods were employed to ensure consistent mapping of features across the region. Following the semiautomated process, additional interpretation, guided by regional marine geology and mapping experts, was conducted to add and refine features of interest not detected automatically. Efforts to expand and update this product are planned. The layers available within the data download include: confidence_update, geoform, geoform_interpreted, and isobath. Partners: Maine Coastal Program, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, New Hampshire Coastal Program, and NOAA Office of Coast Survey To support the inventory of benthic habitat classification, extent, and health pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, the Rivers and Harbors Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. NOAA Office for Coastal Management completed NOAA Office for Coastal Management (843) 740-1202 2234 South Hobson Ave Charleston SC 29405-2413 coastal.info@noaa.gov https://coast.noaa.gov WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link NOAA Office for Coastal Management Website NOAA Office for Coastal Management Home Page information pointOfContact notPlanned EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > BENTHIC EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > COASTAL theme Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords 17.0 benthic coastal geoform seafloor theme Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire United States of America place DOC/NOAA/NOS/OCM > Office of Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce dataCentre Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords 2017-04-24 publication 8.5 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 22. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian MarineCadastre project InPort otherRestrictions Cite As: Office for Coastal Management, [Date of Access]: Gulf of Maine Benthic Habitat 2021 [Data Date Range], https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/77699. NOAA provides no warranty, nor accepts any liability occurring from any incomplete, incorrect, or misleading data, or from any incorrect, incomplete, or misleading use of the data. It is the responsibility of the user to determine whether or not the data is suitable for the intended purpose. otherRestrictions Use Constraints: These data were created for planning and management. Users should be aware of temporal changes that may have occurred since the collection of original source data sets. NOAA provides no warranty, nor accepts any liability occurring from any incomplete, incorrect, or misleading data, or from any incorrect, incomplete, or misleading use of the data. It is the responsibility of the user to determine whether or not the data is suitable for the intended purpose. otherRestrictions Distribution Liability: Any conclusions drawn from the analysis of this information are not the responsibility of NOAA, the Office for Coastal Management or its partners. All content is licensed under the CC0 1.0 Universal public domain dedication. unclassified NOAA Data Management Plan (DMP) NOAA/NMFS/EDM 77699 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inportserve/waf/noaa/nos/ocm/dmp/pdf/77699.pdf WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link NOAA Data Management Plan (DMP) NOAA Data Management Plan for this record on InPort. information crossReference vector eng; US environment -71.40527777778 -67.01666666667 40.82611111111 45.0875 | Currentness: Ground Condition 2019 Bureau Code: 006:48, Program Code: 006:055 https://marinecadastre.gov/downloads/data/benthic/gulf_of_maine_2021.zip WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link https://marinecadastre.gov/downloads/data/benthic/gulf_of_maine_2021.zip download https://benthic-data-noaa.hub.arcgis.com/ WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link https://benthic-data-noaa.hub.arcgis.com/ NOAA Benthic Data Hub Registry download https://marinecadastre.gov/downloads/data/benthic/gulf_of_maine_2021_supporting_raster.zip WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link https://marinecadastre.gov/downloads/data/benthic/gulf_of_maine_2021_supporting_raster.zip download dataset Accuracy The accuracy of the resultant geoforms in this data set is largely a function of the quality of the original Blue Topo source data. These products have a confidence value assigned by Office of Coast Survey based on the source surveys that are included in each tile. Additionally, a workflow was developed to guide the geoform processing and provide confidence metrics. The steps used consist of the following: 1) extracting the uncertainty data from the combined BlueTopo elevation/uncertainty geotiffs; 2) merging the uncertainty rasters; 3) creating an acceptance level DEM based on the bathymetry elevation data; 4) creating a difference raster by subtracting the acceptance level DEM from the uncertainty DEM; 5) converting the floating-point difference to an integer raster where the two values represent high and low uncertainty, respectively; 6) resampling the classified raster at a much lower resolution to facilitate data smoothing, 7) converting small, isolated failed or accepted uncertainty areas to match the predominant surrounding areas; and 8) converting the integer raster to a polygon vector and symbolizing it to identify the areas of low confidence in the processing results due to the high uncertainties associated with the input data. The accuracy of the final geoform vector polygons was qualitatively assessed by an advisory panel of marine geologists and GIS experts. A review of the data was conducted by visually comparing the polygons to the source bathymetry and reference data and reports. No quantitative accuracy was calculated but this review resulted in 70 areas where a correction was needed. A quality assurance document was prepared which discussed the steps involved in more detail. Horizontal Positional Accuracy Compiled to meet 10 meters horizontal accuracy at 95% confidence level Completeness Report The positional accuracy of this data is that of the source BlueTopo source data tiles. Generally, the minimum polygon size is the same as the 64 square meter (8x8 meter cells) in the source BlueTopo tiles. The polygon delineation was accomplished primarily by identifying features at the 1:70,000 scale and then accomplishing the delineation at the 1:10,000 scale. Some rasterized data were shifted 1.89 meters north to match vector data. Two fields were removed from the original Geoform data set, due to the values being the same for every feature. These two fields were Tectonic_Province and Geoform_Origin. The values for these fields, respectively, were Passive Continental Margin and Geologic. Conceptual Consistency These data are logically consistent Semi-automated algorithms (BRESS, ArdPro TPI, etc.) were used to analyze Office of Coast Survey BlueTopo bathymetric products to generate CMECS geoforms for the Gulf of Maine region. Expert interpretation was also used to derive certain features of interest. 2023-01-01T00:00:00 Preparing the BlueTopo bathymetric tiles - BlueTopo bathymetric grids formed the primary data source for the project. Bathymetry and uncertainty data were provided by NOAA OCS as multi-band geotiffs in sets of tiles containing 4-, 8-, or 16-meter resolution data. The different resolutions were not overlapping across the project area. The multi-band geotiffs were added to an empty mosaic data set to be processed and separated into individual data sets. The elevation (band 1) was extracted by creating a raster layer and saving that layer using the Copy Raster tool. All 4-, 8-, and 16-meter tile data were merged into a single 8-meter elevation model and clipped to remove the areas off the continental shelf to keep the depth ranges within reasonable limits. The quality, or Confidence, of the data was an important to further analysis. Office of Coast Survey provided a confidence 2-value confidence metric with the bathymetry based on the equipment used, the age of the survey, and the level of interpolation used to determine the cell elevation. Pilot testing in Belfast Bay, the Kennebec area, and Cape Cod Bay revealed the need for additional Confidence values. Ultimately, four confidence classes were developed at the outset of the project, including a No Data value where sounding density was extremely sparse. 2023-01-01T00:00:00 Applying the BRESS algorithm - This software processes the DEM and produces a set of non-overlapping classes of seafloor feature types. There is an option in the software if bottom reflectivity derived from sonar imagery is available to further segment the classes. However, bottom reflectivity, or backscatter, data were not available across the project area. The BRESS algorithm is capable of producing ten "bathymorphons", which are unique shapes of the seafloor. After pilot testing the decision was made to process for a subset of four features (valleys, slopes, ridges, and flats). The BRESS algorithm operates on a line-of-sight intercept approach to developing bathymorphons. The search radius and flatness angles (how high and low to search) are important variables to this process. The following eventual CMECS classes were derived primarily through iterative application of the BRESS algorithm Flat, Slope, Depression, Large Depression, Scar). The Gulf of Maine - Geoform Data Development: CMECS Compliant Geoforms report describes the specific thresholds and processing rules used to develop these classes. 2023-01-01T00:00:00 Applying Vector Ruggedness Tools in ArcPro - Some CMECS classes (Rise, Rocky Zone, Pockmark Field Pockmark, Sediment Wave Field) were identified using the ArcGIS Pro ArcHydro tool called Topographic Position Index (TPI), found in the Terrain Preprocessing sub-toolbox. This tool TPI tool compares the elevation of each cell in a DEM to the mean elevation of a specified neighborhood around that cell. The output includes negative values (areas below the mean elevation) and positive values above 0 (areas above the mean elevation) as well as 0, which represents areas of no difference from the mean. Within the GOM project area, a neighborhood size (Length) of 200 and a circular moving window model type were used. The Gulf of Maine- Geoform Data Development: CMECS Compliant Geoforms report describes the specific thresholds and processing rules used to develop these classes. 2023-01-01T00:00:00 Manual Delineation - The two target CMECS classes that were delineated using a combination of automated methods and manual interpretation were banks and basins. Slope derived from the bathymetry using the Surface Parameters tool in the ArcGIS Pro Spatial Analyst toolbox was used to delineate the boundaries of the banks defined by the steep slopes. A break at 1 degree nicely defined the base of these steep slopes. Bathymetric contours created from the bathymetric grid were used to delineate the outer, less defined limits of the banks. The selection of the delimiting contour was subject to interpretation and a different contour was used for each bank. Basins were delineated manually using a combination of published data, slope derived from the bathymetry using the ArcGIS Pro Spatial Analyst Surface Parameters tool with a break of 1 degree, and interpretation of the bathymetric data. In Uchupi and Bolmer, 2008, the authors provided bounding bathymetric contours for several basins in the project area (Scantum, Tillies, Stellwagen, Little Stellwagen, Platts, Murray and Wilkinson, Matinicus, Jordan, and Jeffreys). These basins were plotted using the NBS bathymetric contours and then were overlaid on the bathymetric grid and slope derivative and modified to better represent the current basins. 2023-01-01T00:00:00 Quality Assurance - Following completion of the semi-automated CMECS Geoform product a review by the project partners and the technical advisory board was conducted. This review revealed a number of classes of within that data set that needed further analysis for the product to be suitable for planning. These consisted of Pockmarks, Pockmark Fields, Rocky Zones, and Sediment Wave Fields. A visual interpretation process was used to change attributes and boundaries for these areas, in consultation with partners and advisory team members. One result of this effort was expansion and revising of the Sediment Wave Field class. The final Sediment Wave Field class was preserved in areas where a rippled bedforms were associated with fluvial processes. Former SWF polygons in more marine settings were re-attributed as Shelf Sediment Shoals. These reflected more oceanic current environments with features expressed on a larger scale. A second set of features consisting of Deltas, Moraines, Paleo-deltas, Basins, and Cobble-Boulder-Complexes, and Estuarine Sediment Shoals. These were manually delineated and are available as a companion data set to this CMECS geoform product. The QA process is described in an addendum to the Gulf of Maine - Geoform Development report. 2023-01-01T00:00:00 Manual Delineation - The six target CMECS classes that were delineated using manual interpretation methods were paleo deltas, estuarine sediment shoals, deltas, cobble-boulder complexes, basins, and moraines. A combination of published data, slope derived from the bathymetry using the ArcGIS Pro Spatial Analyst Surface Parameters tool with a break of 1 degree, and interpretation of the bathymetric (hillshade) data. In Uchupi and Bolmer, 2008, the authors provided bounding bathymetric contours for several basins in the project area (Scantum, Tillies, Stellwagen, Little Stellwagen, Platts, Murray and Wilkinson, Matinicus, Jordan, and Jeffreys). These basins were plotted using the NBS bathymetric contours and then were overlaid on the bathymetric grid and slope derivative and modified to better represent the current basins. A generally very conservative approach was taken to these delineations and the resultant features are only identified where the source bathymetry was of high quality. It is likely that the extent of these features may change as new bathymetry becomes available. 2023-01-01T00:00:00 Standardized common design elements, cleaned up field content, repaired geometry, and projected to NAD83. 2025-08-01T00:00:00 Source Contribution: Digital Elevation Models which were the primary source for the geoform feature mapping. 12000 BlueTopo Source Bathymetric Tiles NOAA Office of Coast Survey https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/bluetopo_specs.html# WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link Source Citation URL Source Citation URL information originator 2009-01-01 2009-06-27