Hydrographic Services

The Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is a program office within the NOAA National Ocean Service that provides charts and related information for the safe navigation of marine commerce, and to provide basic hydrographic data for engineering and scientific purposes and for other commercial and industrial needs. The Coast and Geodetic Survey Act authorizes the conduct of developmental work for the improvement of surveying and cartographic methods, instruments, and equipments; and to conduct investigations and research in geophysical sciences (including geodesy, oceanography, seismology, and geomagnetism). Joint Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers are authorized in the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act to advance the purposes of the Acts including research and development of hydrographic technologies necessary to ensure safe and efficient navigation; research and development of innovative ocean and coastal mapping technologies, equipment, and data products; mapping of the United States Outer Continental Shelf and other regions; data processing for nontraditional data and uses; advancing the use of remote sensing technologies for related issues, including mapping and assessment of essential fish habitat and of coral resources, ocean observations, and ocean exploration; and providing graduate education and training in ocean and coastal mapping sciences.