Authors
Jesse Varner (CIRES,NOAA/NCEI), Matt Bochain (CIRES,NOAA/NCEI), Barry Eakins (CIRES,NOAA/NCEI), Lee Shoemaker (CIRES,NOAA/NCEI), Jessica Nation (CIRES,NOAA/NCEI), Kevin Lally (CIRES,NOAA/NCEI), Jordan Schweizer (CIRES,NOAA/NCEI), Jennifer Jencks (NOAA/NCEI)

Abstract

The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) maintains one of the world's most extensive archives of seafloor mapping data, including multibeam acoustic backscatter (MBAB) and side scan sonar (SSS) data collected across U.S. continental margins and the global ocean. Backscatter intensity mosaics (georeferenced seafloor reflectance images derived from multibeam echosounder systems) contain information about the acoustic response of seabed sediments, benthic habitats, and geologic structure. They provide an essential data layer for marine spatial planning, habitat characterization, and geohazard assessment. To improve discoverability and usability of archived backscatter data, NCEI has developed ArcGIS image services that provide access to seafloor reflectance rasters collected by NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) hydrographic surveys in U.S. waters. These services are accessible via OGC-compliant and ArcGIS REST endpoints, enabling browser-based visualization, programmatic query, and direct integration into GIS environments without requiring local data download. Two additional products are under development. First, image services are being built for backscatter imagery processed through the NCEI multibeam data ingestion pipeline, which receives data from NOAA fleet vessels, academic research vessels, and partner programs. Second, NCEI is developing image services derived from both the NCEI Trackline Geophysical Data and NOS hydrographic survey archives, which contain side scan sonar (SSS) records spanning decades of survey operations. Together, these geospatial products will enhance the usability of NOAA’s data for the scientific community.