TCarta Wins National Science Foundation Grant

TCarta Marine has been awarded a research and development grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance and automate multiple techniques for deriving seafloor depth measurements from optical satellite imagery. The ‘Project Trident’ research seeks to transform existing satellite derived bathymetry (SDB) techniques by leveraging machine learning and computer vision technology to enable accurate depth retrieval in variable water conditions. If successful, these enhanced bathymetric techniques will have positive impacts on operations related to oil & gas exploration and production, coastal infrastructure engineering, environmental monitoring, and geointelligence (GEOINT) activities. “Our goal with Project Trident is to expand the geographic scope of SDB in shallow coastal areas,” said Kyle Goodrich, TCarta President. “SDB technology currently derives water depths only in calm, clear waters, which limits its applicability.” TCarta won the grant for Project Trident in partnership with jOmegak of San Carlos, Calif., and DigitalGlobe of Westminster, Colo., in Phase 1 of the NSF Small Business Innovation Research program. www.tcarta.com