Surface Mapping "Dataflow" Data

The surface mapping program collects data every 4 seconds aboard a moving boat, using an instrument suite known as DATAFLOW. DATAFLOW uses a pump on the transom of the boat to feed surface water through a chamber where water quality is measured by a sonde/instrument similar to those used in the continuous monitoring program. The water quality data are geo-referenced with a GPS unit and recorded in an onboard computer. The boat follows a path that records surface water quality both in nearshore shallow areas and mid-channel areas of rivers and the Chesapeake.

Data are used to assess water quality criteria, particularly the extent of acceptable habitat for underwater grasses. Data are also used to assess the scale of events such as algal blooms or runoff and pinpoint regions that require management action to improve water quality.