SO503 Spring 2009

Right Whale Database Lab

We are going to extend the project of Coast Guard Cadet VanCleef in SO432 last fall.  You can see the project at

http://www.usna.edu/Users/oceano/pguth/website/so432web/projects/So432_final_projects.htm/whales.kmz, which will open in Google Earth.

Raw data, in two slightly different formats:

• http://rwhalesightings.nefsc.noaa.gov/yearly.html  Useful data from 2002 on
• http://whale.wheelock.edu/whalenet-stuff/reportsRW_NE/   Useful data from 2000 on

Before lab on Thursday, look at the raw data at the two web sites for your assigned dates, and come prepared to discuss one fields beyond what is in the VanCleef data base, which we should add to the database.  You must be prepared to discuss what the field would be, and how it will be coded.  We will agree on the format of the database at the start of the class, and you must follow that format so that your data can be merged with that of your classmates.

Assignment:

• Complete a database, which will merge with the VanCleef data base and those created by your classmates, for the period assigned below.
• Download the weekly SST grids for the month assigned below, and export them to Google Earth.
• Download a MODIS image for you assigned month, and export it to Google Earth.
• Export the nautical chart of the region to Google Earth.
• From one of the web sites, get an image of a right whale and create an icon to use in the database.
• Export your database so it works in Google Earth, with an animation.

Insure that you update both the program and the help file for MICRODEM, and have versions dated 2008.2.25.  In the help file table of contents, look up Tutorial and labs, GIS, Time animation for Google Earth

Turn in a working KMZ file to the course drop box by 0800 on Thur 4 March 2009.