ORCA: Oceanographic Remotely Controlled Automaton

Introduction

The Oceanographic Remotely Controlled Automaton (ORCA) is a diesel powered semi-submersible designed to survey water depths from 10 to 300 meters. The ORCA is currently outfitted with a Simrad EM 950, a 95 kHz multibeam echo sounder with co-registered bathymetry and imagery. Numerous ORCA field trials have been conducted in 1995 in Gulfport, MS and off the coast of Pensacola, FL where bathymetry was collected over a previously surveyed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminsitration (NOAA) site.

Mission Statement

ORCA Vessel

Bathymetry and Imagery System

For further information or to answer any questions contact:

Naval Research Laboratory
Marine Geosciences Division
Mapping, Charting and Geodesy Branch
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-5004
(228) 688-4420 FAX (228) 688-4853 DSN 485-4420
email: bsb@nrlssc.navy.mil

Return to Mapping, Charting, and Geodesy