Dynamic GPS Positioning on the Bayou

Robert N. Hallenbeck, Thomas A. Hylas, and Rudy P. Lambert

Abstract:	In the seismic exploration industry. the physical area where land and water come together is ternled the transition zone. In areas with coastal terrain elev:ation. such as the U.S. Pacific coast, this transition is very abrupt. The South Louisiana marsh transition zone is quite extensive: stretching from the brackish coastal marsh to the inland river basin swamps. This is an environment hostile to the collection of seismic data, subjecting both men and machines to extremes of weather and environmental conditions. Extraordinary operating procedures and equipment are required to accomplish the precise positioning task demanded for the production of clear, high resolution 3D seismic imagery. This paper will focus on a recent prospect in the South Louisiana marsh, and the equipment and techniques used to solve the problems imposed by these difficult operating conditions, particularly those involving the selection of data link and navigation equipment. The need for DGPS and data link integrity monitoring and the means of accomplishing it will be discussed, as well as improvements to our methodology and equipment realized as a result of the experience. In an area I\here intense weather variations are normal; alligator and bird nesting sites are commonplace, and the preferred mode of transportation is an airboat, this paper offers a unique perspective on how a high quality survey can be accomplished under difiicult operating conditions and environmental restrictions in the vast delta area of South Louisiana.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1994 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 24 - 26, 1994 Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	453 - 456
Cite this article:	Hallenbeck, Robert N., Hylas, Thomas A., Lambert, Rudy P., "Dynamic GPS Positioning on the Bayou," Proceedings of the 1994 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 1994, pp. 453-456.
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