Port Freeport's ''FlowInfo'': An example of an Integrated Port Navigation and Environmental Data System (IPNEDS)

Abstract

Texas ports are rapidly expanding their operations because of increased tonnage and security requirements. As a result, they are also expanding their real-time data acquisition and display capabilities for navigational operations and homeland security. Ports such as Port Freeport are collaborating with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to develop, install and operate real-time data systems to deliver needed information to the Pilots and operations personnel. The ports need to significantly expand the scale of real-time programs, in terms of both types of observations (i.e., to include chemical and biological sensors in support of environmental and homeland security requirements) and area covered (i.e., both inshore and offshore). They also need, through cyber-infrastructure, to deliver a visualization of the converged data product to its Pilots and other stakeholders, all in a cost effective program. In collaboration with Port Freeport, we are developing the technology required for such an Integrated Port Navigation and Environmental Data System (IPNEDS). It will deliver not only a greatly expanded suite of physical parameters but also new state-ofthe-art capabilities to measure precisely, in situ and in real-time, standard environmental, chemical and biological parameters. Single-point measurements of currents will be augmented by HF-Radar-measured large spatial grids of coastal surface currents and ADCP-measured, vertical profiles of horizontal current velocity and directional wave parameters (height, period, direction).

Hydrodynamic characterization of Corpus Christi Bay through modeling and observation

“…Our research group deployed operational high-frequency (HF) radar network around the Texas coastline covering areas around CC, Matagorda, and Galveston Bay to monitor surface currents and, thereby, have gained insights about the key physical processes that contribute to the observed deterioration of water quality (Kelly et al 2004). The HF radar is a shore-based electronic system that transmits electromagnetic waves to remotely measure surface currents by utilizing return signals which are scattered off the water surface waves (Meadows et al 2013).…”