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hydrographic and bathymetric data as well as the accuracy of 

 both DMA and NOS charting programs. 



The Defense Hydrographic Initiative (DHI) is a 

 cooperative, interagency effort involving DMA, NOS and the 

 Oceanographer of the Navy. It addresses hydrographic and 

 bathymetric requirements for products and services to ensure 

 concept continuity for research and development as well as 

 production and distribution of hydrographic and bathymetric 

 products . 



DHI addresses three basic capabilities: Management tools 

 supporting surveys and operational and production planning as 

 well as monitoring data collection activities status; an 

 archive, accessible by DoD users and, where security and 

 copyright restrictions permit, accessible by civil agencies, 

 for hydrographic and bathymetric source data; and a geo- 

 referenced data base of point, grid and vector hydrographic and 

 geophysical data in support of Geographic Information Systems, 

 which we refer to as the Master Seafloor Digital Data Base. 

 Systems and capabilities being developed as a result of DHI are 

 expected to be operational in the FY 1996 to FY 1997 time 

 frame. Common equipment and processes for these functions are 

 expected to be delivered to DMA in Bethesda, Maryland; the U.S. 

 Naval Oceanographic Office in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; the 

 C&GS in Silver Spring, Maryland; and NOAA's National 

 Geophysical Data Center in Boulder, Colorado. 



C. Hydrographic Data Recording System 



The Hydrographic Data Recording System (HDRS) , also known 

 as the Digital Sounder, is an initiative that will enhance data 

 collection capabilities for "ships of opportunity" which 

 transit data-sparse areas. DMA is leading the research and 

 development effort to address a "suitcase" design for the HDRS. 

 The concept is to create a highly portable, non-intrusive, 



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