Marine Science Affairs 



Mapping, Charting, and Geodesy 



In this section, those features of the oceans are deaU with which vary slowly 

 with time so as to permit preparation of maps. Just as maps have been 

 indispensable in the development of our land resources, maps are also 

 the foundation for understanding and use of the oceans. Yet the oceans are 

 largely unexplored beyond the gross shape and structure of the sea floor, 

 and maps for science, economic development, and national defense are often 

 inadequate. Needs are multiplying for a wide variety of maps — of biological 

 stocks, mineral resources, and physical and geophysical characteristics of the 

 sea and seabed. 



Mapping requires accurate navigation and geodetic control. In recent 

 years, successful development of electronic aids, especially several series of 

 Loran systems, has led to greater precision in positioning. The Transit navi- 

 gational satellite system discussed in Chapter VI has been released for 

 civilian use and will provide more precise control for oceanwide surveys. 



Current Exploration 



Mapping, charting, and geodesy account for roughly 18 percent of the 

 marine science funding as shown in Table VIII. 2. Over 30 ships in the 

 Federal oceanographic fleet are engaged in ocean surveying activities. The 

 cost of operating these ships in FY 1968 totaled $34.4 million; this represents 

 about 37 percent of the ocean exploration budget. Several agencies conduct 

 mission-oriented oceanographic surveys, but the Navy and ESSA support 

 most of this effort and provide most of the widely used general purpose 

 maps and charts. 



Table VI 1 1.2 — Ocean Exploration — Mapping, Charting, and Geodesy 



(In millions of dollars) 



106 



