Aids to Navigation

Metadata:

Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI), Coastal and Marine Resource Assessment (CAMRA)
Publication_Date: 2002
Title: camra_mrgis_atons_uscg_2002
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data
Online_Linkage:
Description:
Abstract:
These data represent the aids to navigation (ATONs) for the 7th and 8th Coast Guard districts. The term "aids to navigation" refers to devices outside of a vessel that are used to assist mariners in determining their position or safe course, or to warn them of obstructions. Aids to navigation include light buoys and beacons. This data set includes Federal aids, which are installed and maintained by the Coast Guard, as well as some privately maintained aids. This data set does not include unofficial (illegal) aids such as PVC pipes, and such placed without permission. This data set is not certified for navigation and is not intended for navigation purposes. Each USCG district headquarters is responsible for updating their database on an as-needed basis. When existing aids are destroyed or relocated and new aids are installed the database is updated. Each aid is assigned an official light listing number. The light list is a document listing the status of the ATONs and it is published and distributed on a regular basis. Interim changes to the light list are published in local notices to mariners, which are the official means by which navigators are supposed to keep their charts current. In addition, the USCG broadcasts notices to mariners on the marine band radio as soon as changes of the status of individual aids are reported. The light list number and local notice to mariners are suggested ways to keep the database current on a regular or even real-time basis. However, annual (or more frequent) updates of the entire database could be obtained from each USCG district headquarters.
Purpose:
This data set represents an all-inclusive GIS layer of ATONs for the year 2002, with spatial extent of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts.
Supplemental_Information:
Please be advised that the source information of this data set was collected and maintained solely for the internal uses of the Coast Guard, and it has not been verified for accuracy or completeness by the USCG or by FMRI. The Coast Guard makes no representations that this information contains an accurate description of aids to navigation or their actual positions. Many fields in the ATONS database may have data that is not used, therefore the data is suspect. Therefore this information should not be used, published, or relied on for the purpose of navigation. Furthermore, it will be subject to change without notice. The Coast Guard makes no representations that this information contains an accurate description of the wrecks and obstructions or their actual positions. Therefore, this information should not be used, published, or relied on for navigation. Be warned that typographical errors do exist in this data set.

FWRI updates these data annually. For the most current ATON information please contact the appropriate USCG district.

Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2002
Currentness_Reference: publication date
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: Annually
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -98.515159
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -61.91703
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 33.975063
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 17.51788
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: FMRItheme
Theme_Keyword: ATONs
Theme_Keyword: GIS
Theme_Keyword: boating
Theme_Keyword:
human impact (boating, pollution, oil spills, dredging, runoff, coastal build up)
Theme_Keyword: mapping
Theme_Keyword: coastal
Theme_Keyword: marine
Theme_Keyword: transportation
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: FMRIplace
Place_Keyword: Atlantic Ocean
Place_Keyword: Gulf of Mexico
Place_Keyword: south Florida
Place_Keyword: southeast Florida
Place_Keyword: north Florida
Place_Keyword: northeast Florida
Place_Keyword: east coast of Florida
Place_Keyword: west coast of Florida
Place_Keyword: Lake Okeechobee
Place_Keyword: Saint Johns River
Place_Keyword: Florida
Place_Keyword: Alabama
Place_Keyword: Georgia
Place_Keyword: Bahamas
Place_Keyword: Caribbean
Place_Keyword: Florida Panhandle
Place_Keyword: Florida Peninsula
Access_Constraints: Available without restriction
Use_Constraints: FWC-FWRI and the USCG must be credited
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: GIS Data Librarian
Contact_Organization:
FWC-FMRI (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-Florida Marine Research Institute)
Contact_Position: GIS Data Librarian
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address:
Florida Marine Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue Southeast
City: St. Petersburg
State_or_Province: Florida
Postal_Code: 33701
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 727-896-8626
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 727-893-1679
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gislibrarian@fwc.state.fl.us
Hours_of_Service: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern time
Security_Information:
Security_Classification_System: FMRI-DC
Security_Classification: Available without restriction.
Security_Handling_Description: Available without restriction.
Native_Data_Set_Environment:
Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.0 (Build 2195) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 8.3.0.800
Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
All entities and attributes have been identified. Attributes are accurate as provided in the source spreadsheets.
Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
The source data from the USCG gave coordinates in latitude and longitude of varying degrees of precision, ranging from degree only, to 3 decimal seconds. FWRI has not field-verified these points, so positions are as accurate as the source data. Please see the Coast Guard's disclaimer in the Supplemental Information section of this metadata report.

FWRI edited the positional accuracy for gross errors of logical consistency only. Point data that did not have coordinates in the source spreadsheets were deleted. For point data that were obviously on land, an attempt was made to correct the points if there was an obvious typographical error that could be verified (such as incorrect coordinates which could be corrected by using the coordinates for other aids in the same water body and the appropriate NOAA Nautical Chart as reference). Any points that were moved were visually verified with a NOAA Nautical chart as the background.

Lineage:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: United States Coast Guard (USCG) 7th and 8th District
Publication_Date: 2002
Title: USCG Aids to Navigation Spreadsheet 2002
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Excel spreadsheet
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 2002
Time_of_Day: unknown
Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation: USCG Aids to Navigation Spreadsheet 2000
Source_Contribution:
Source spreadsheets were formatted and used to create shapefiles.
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Excel spreadsheets from the 7th and 8th Districts were formatted to convert coordinates from degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal degrees. Additional attributes were created based on information contained within the spreadsheets. FWRI formatted all spreadsheets to contain the same attribute items and attribute field lengths. The Excel files were then converted to dbase and converted to shapefiles using the "add X,Y" function in ArcMap 8.2. The shapefiles were MERGEd together to create one ATON map representing both Districts federal ATONs and the 7th District's private ATONs.
Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: USCG Aids to Navigation Spreadsheet 2000
Process_Date: 2003
Process_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: GIS Data Librarian
Contact_Organization:
FWC-FWRI (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-Florida Marine Research Institute)
Contact_Position: GIS Data Librarian
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address:
Florida Marine Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue Southeast
City: St. Petersburg
State_or_Province: Florida
Postal_Code: 33701
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 727-896-8626
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 727-893-1679
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gislibrarian@myfwc.com
Hours_of_Service: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern time
 
 
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector
Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:
SDTS_Terms_Description:
SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Entity point
Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 14041
Spatial_Reference_Information:
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Geographic:
Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983
Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222
Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Altitude_System_Definition:
Altitude_Resolution: 1.000000
Altitude_Encoding_Method:
Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates
Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: FMRI.atons_uscg_2002_point
Entity_Type_Definition:
This data set represents navigation aids for the 7th and 8th Coast Guard Districts.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: AID_COLOR
Attribute_Definition: Color of lighted aid.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
Derived from information provided by the USCG 7th and 8th districts.
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: R
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Red
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: G
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Green
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: W
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: White
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Y
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Yellow
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: AID_LABEL
Attribute_Definition:
Any identification marks displayed on the actual aid. Most often this is a number but port entrance buoys will have the port initials painted on the buoy and some buoys that are hazardous will be identified with "WR".
Attribute_Definition_Source:
Derived from information provided by the USCG 7th and 8th districts.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: AID_NAME
Attribute_Definition: Unique name assigned by the corresponding district.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USCG 7th and 8th Districts
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: AID_TYPE
Attribute_Definition:
Code identifying the type of aid. Each type of aid has a specific function for navigation and is usually readily identifiable in the field by its unique physical characteristics.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
Derived from information provided by the USCG 7th and 8th districts.
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: LT
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Lighted aid
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: DBN
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Daybeacon
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: ULB
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Unlit buoys
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: LB
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Lighted buoys
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: LBB
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Lighted bell buoys
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: LWB
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Lighted whistle buoys
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: RFL
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Range forward lights
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: RRL
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Range rear lights
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: LGB
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Lighted gong buoy
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: N
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Nun Buoy
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: CLASS
Attribute_Definition: Indicates a federal or private ATON.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
Derived from information provided by the USCG 7th and 8th districts.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DAYBOARD
Attribute_Definition:
Refers to colors (and occasionally numbers) painted on dayboard. See "Entity and Attribute Detail Citation" for codes.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USCG 8th District
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DAYBOARD_Q
Attribute_Definition: Number of aids on a dayboard
Attribute_Definition_Source: USCG 7th District
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DAYBOARD_S
Attribute_Definition: The size of a dayboard in feet
Attribute_Definition_Source: USCG 7th District
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: DISTRICT
Attribute_Definition: Refers to the USCG district that provided the information
Attribute_Definition_Source: USCG 7th and 8th Districts
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: LATDD
Attribute_Definition: Latitude in decimal degrees (NAD 83)
Attribute_Definition_Source:
Derived from information provided by the USCG 7th and 8th districts.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: LGT_LIST_N
Attribute_Definition:
Unique identifier used by public when reporting problems about a specific navigation aid. Reference number for cross-reference with Light List document.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USCG 7th and 8th Districts
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: LONGDD
Attribute_Definition: Longitude in decimal degrees
Attribute_Definition_Source:
Derived from information provided by the USCG 7th and 8th districts.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: LT_CHAR
Attribute_Definition:
Applies only to lighted aids (AID_TYPE = LB or LT). Example: "FL G 4 s," means flashing green light with four seconds interval.
Attribute_Definition_Source: USCG 7th and 8th Districts
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: OBJECTID
Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.
Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain:
Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: ODD_EVEN
Attribute_Definition:
In most cases aids marking a narrow channel will be located as gated pairs with aids on one side of the channel being assigned an odd number and aids on the other side being assigned an even number. "E" for even, "O" for odd. If the aid has no number then the field is blank. When aids along a narrow channel are displayed on a small-scale map, the map can be cluttered with aid symbols. This odd/even designation allows for only aids on one side of a channel to be displayed thereby eliminating clutter.
Attribute_Definition_Source:
Derived from information provided by the USCG 7th and 8th districts.
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: O
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Odd
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: E
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Even
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: SHAPE
Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.
Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: SOURCE
Attribute_Definition:
Source of the data. Possible values include: 7th District, 8th District, and NPS (National Parks Service)
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: SYMBOL
Attribute_Definition:
This field is a concatenation of AID_TYPE and ODD_EVEN. This field is used for symbolizing aids based on both the AID_TYPE and the ODD_EVEN attributes.
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
Detailed description of the attributes for the ATONs. These attributes were obtained from multiple spreadsheets from the USCG 7th and 8th districts. An individual aid may not have values for all of the attributes listed.
Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
General ATON abbreviations (from <http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/aton/abbreviations.htm>)

B - Black Bn - Beacon C - Can Buoy F - Fixed Fl - Flashing Fl (2) - Group Flashing Fl (2+1) - Composite Group-Flashing G - Green Iso - Isophase J - Junction (S or T Dayboard) K - Rectangular (Range Dayboard) M - Octagonal Dayboard MO (A) - Morse Code - N - Nun Buoy Oc - Occulting Pri - Private Q - Quick (Flashing) R - Red S - Square Dayboard s - seconds T - Triangle Dayboard W - White Y - Yellow

Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: GIS Data Librarian
Contact_Organization:
FWC-FMRI (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-Florida Marine Research Institute)
Contact_Position: GIS Data Librarian
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address:
Florida Marine Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue Southeast
City: St. Petersburg
State_or_Province: Florida
Postal_Code: 33701
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 727-896-8626
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 727-893-1679
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gislibrarian@fwc.state.fl.us
Hours_of_Service: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern time
Distribution_Liability:
This data set is in the public domain, and the recipient may not assert any proprietary rights thereto nor represent it to anyone as other than a FWC-FWRI produced data set; it is provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The user assumes all responsibility for the accuracy and suitability of this data set for a specific application. In no event will the staff of the Florida Marine Research Institute be liable for any damages, including lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of or the inability to use this data set.
Standard_Order_Process:
Fees:
None. However, persons or organizations requesting information must provide transfer media (CD-ROM only) if FTP is not available and must pay express shipping costs if express shipping is required.
Ordering_Instructions:
Contact GIS Librarian by e-mail, telephone, or letter explaining which products are needed and providing a brief description of how the products will be used. Also, provide name and address of the person or organization requesting the products.
Turnaround:
Usually within 10 business days, although, complex requests may take longer
Standard_Order_Process:
Fees:
None. However, persons or organizations requesting information must provide transfer media (CD-ROM only) if FTP is not available and must pay express shipping costs if express shipping is required.
Ordering_Instructions:
Contact GIS Librarian by e-mail, telephone, or letter explaining which products are needed and providing a brief description of how the products will be used. Also, provide name and address of the person or organization requesting the products.
Turnaround:
Usually within 10 business days, although, complex requests may take longer
Standard_Order_Process:
Fees:
None. However, will need to provide transfer media (CD-ROM only) if FTP is not available.
Ordering_Instructions:
Contact GIS Librarian by email, phone, or letter explaining what products are needed and a brief description of how it will be used. Also provide name, address, and organization requesting the products.
Turnaround:
Within 10 working days is typical. More complex requests may take longer
Standard_Order_Process:
Fees:
None. However, will need to provide transfer media (CD-ROM only) if FTP is not available. However, will need to provide shipping costs if express shipping required.
Ordering_Instructions:
Contact GIS Librarian by email, phone, or letter explaining what products are needed and a brief description of how it will be used. Also provide name, address, and organization requesting the products.
Turnaround:
Within 10 working days is typical. More complex requests may take longer
Custom_Order_Process: Contact GIS Librarian
Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 20030520
Metadata_Future_Review_Date: 20040520
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: GIS Data Librarian
Contact_Organization:
FWC-FMRI (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-Florida Marine Research Institute)
Contact_Position: GIS Data Librarian
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address:
Florida Marine Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue Southeast
City: St. Petersburg
State_or_Province: Florida
Postal_Code: 33701
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 727-896-8626
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 727-893-1679
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gislibrarian@fwc.state.fl.us
Hours_of_Service: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Eastern time
Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Metadata_Time_Convention: local time
Metadata_Access_Constraints: No restrictions on metadata.
Metadata_Use_Constraints: Metadata must be distributed with the dataset.
Metadata_Security_Information:
Metadata_Security_Classification_System: FMRI-MC
Metadata_Security_Classification: Available
Metadata_Security_Handling_Description: Metadata must be distributed with the dataset.
Metadata_Extensions:
Online_Linkage: <http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html>
Profile_Name: ESRI Metadata Profile