Crowd Sourced Bathymetry

 NOAA has implemented a Crowd Source Bathymetry (CSB) database where mariners can upload their tracks with embedded depths to a centralized database that anyone can use. If you are headed for an area you're not familiar with that has shallow water, the CSB database can be accessed to find who's been through it before and what he saw for depths. 

Aqua Map recently added a feature where a user can automatically upload tracks with depths to the database (with the captain's permission) for all to use, especially NOAA. The database can be accessed at Crowd Sourced Bathymetry. 

Follow along with the pictorial instructions on how to use: Start with a tap on the top choice in the list as shown.

Select Crowdsourced Bathymetry and search CSB files (deselect multibeam for now)

Enter the time frame for the search. If you leave a field blank, all times will be searched.

Enter the provider (app that uploaded the tracks). I selected Aqua Map, leave blank if you want all. 

Select the name of the boat, called "Platform Name" in the database file. Here I selected Fleetwing, my boat. Leave blank if you want all boats.

The tracks fitting the search will appear in red. Move the chart until found. with finger (iPad) or mouse (PC)

To better see what you're doing, select a nautical chart background. I selected NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs)

If you selected Aqua Map and Fleetwing, you will see these red lines showing Bob423 tracks in the spring of 2023

Don't be dismayed if you see this - track points being skipped and going over land. All the points are there, just not all are displayed unless you zoom in closely.

Tap or click on the track of interest (blue X) and this text box will appear. If a plus sign is next to Crowdsourced Bathymetry, click on the plus sign to see the individual files..

Click on the individual files to view their details. The example below displays the date and time of the track, along with the provider, name, and platform used to record it. 

To download the track, click (if using a mouse) or tap (if you're using an iPad) on "Extract CSB Data Files". 

Enter your email address and tap on Submit Request

You'll get a message that your request has been accepted and to wait for a return email with a link to the requested track

Here's the payout - a link to the track you requested. Click on the link and the file will be downloaded.

However, this has been a problem in the past since the downloaded file is not in GPX format. It's a tar.gz file format that no navigation program will accept. 

That problem has been solved with thanks to Richard Gronback (we have talented members!)

Richard has written a routine that will convert the output of the CSB database file to GPX format that retains the embedded depth numbers when used with Aqua Map. See the next series of steps. 

1)  Copy the link in the email received announcing your order from CSB to be complete.

2)  Access the converter by tapping or clicking on the link CSB2GPX

3)  Paste the link into the field as described below and tap or click on the far right up arrow.

Save the file. If using a PC, it will usually be saved in Downloads. If using an iPad, you will get a choice of where to save it. Once saved, on the iPad, tap on the file and tap the share icon (up arrow in a box) to select where to load the file. Choose Aqua Map if you want to see a graph plot of depths along the tracks as below.

If you have  questions or suggestions for improvement, don't hesitate to ask.