GeoCoastPilot
Bringing the Coast Pilot™ into the 21st Century

The GeoCoastPilot is a project to turn the NOAA Coast Pilot® into an interactive document linked to a 3D map environment. The GeoCoastPilot provides linkages between the written text, 2D and 3D views, web content, and other primary sources such as charts, maps, and related federal regulations.

GeoCoastPilot has a number of innovative features:

• It links NOAA Coast Pilot information (Chapter 9 of Book 1) with an interactive 3D map and S-57 information, including USCG light list information.
• Wherever some shore feature is mentioned it is linked with a feature on the 3D map. Clicking on the text links centers the 3D view on the corresponding feature. Where possible, there is a photo of that feature placed in the correct geographic location.
• Links go both ways: when you click on a photo, buoy, or other navigation mark in the 3D view, you are taken to the first corresponding reference in the Coast Pilot text, and other references are highlighted. Additional information is listed to the side.

We are building this in collaboration with NOAA, and are seeking early adopters to try the GeoCoastPilot. Anyone can download the GeoCoastPilot for free, with no strings attached. However, we will be conducting phone interviews and web surveys with interested people, and will also welcome feedback via e-mail. We are interested in learning what you find to be useful and informative and what is distracting. We also want to know what is easy to use and what is not and welcome suggestions for future enhancements. We will be rolling out new versions over the next month and want to make it as informative and easy to use as possible.

The first test site for this project is Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua estuary including the entrance to Portsmouth harbor from near Kitts Rocks Lighted Buoy 2KR, up to the I-95 Bridge. This may be extended to Great Bay Marine as newer versions are released.

How can I get it?

The GeoCoastPilot is free. You can download the software directly from the Internet (76MB).

To get in touch with us regarding the GeoCoastPilot contact Briana Sullivan: (603)862-0288.

GeoCoastPilot User Manual Download Link (in pdf)