Low-altitude aerial imagery collected from a Helikite at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, MA on March 20, 2024

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Low-altitude aerial imagery collected from a Helikite at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, MA on March 20, 2024
Abstract:
The data in this release re-map the beach and nearshore environment at Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, MA and provide updated environmental context for the 2020 CoastCam installation that looks out at the coast shared by beachgoers, shorebirds, seals, and sharks. This is a collaboration with the National Park Service at Cape Cod National Seashore to monitor the region that falls within the field of view of CoastCam CACO-01, which are two video cameras aimed at the beach. In February and March 2024, U.S. Geological Survey and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists conducted field surveys to collect topographic and bathymetric data. Images of the beach for use in structure-from-motion were taken with a camera (SONY a6000) attached to a helium powered balloon-kite (Helikite). High-precision GPS targets (AeroPoints) were used as ground control points. Bathymetry was collected in the nearshore using a single-beam echosounder mounted on a surf capable self-righting electric autonomous surface vehicle. Agisoft Metashape (v. 2.1.0) was used to create a digital surface model and orthomosaic with the collected imagery.
Supplemental_Information:
For more information about the WHCMSC Field Activity, see https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2024-011-FA. Images can be viewed on the USGS Imagery Data System without downloading them from sciencebase here https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/idsviewer/data_release/10.5066-P1N57AEG.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Over, Jin-Si R., and Traykovski, Peter A., 20240530, Low-altitude aerial imagery collected from a Helikite at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, MA on March 20, 2024: data release DOI:10.5066/P1N57AEG, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Over, Jin-Si R., Sherwood, Chris R., Traykovski, Peter A., and Anderberg, Mira M., 2024, Topographic and bathymetric data, imagery, and ground control data collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, Massachusetts in February and March 2024: data release DOI:10.5066/P1N57AEG, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Suggested citation: Over, J.R., Sherwood, C.R., Traykovski, P.A., and Anderberg, M.M., 2024, Topographic and bathymetric data, imagery, and ground control data collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, Massachusetts in February and March 2024: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P1N57AEG.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -70.07942169
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -70.07523059
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.04971420
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.05223817
  3. What does it look like?
    https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/66168fcfd34e7eb9eb7d622f?name=2024-011-FA_HOM_imagery_browse.jpg&allowOpen=true (JPEG)
    Photograph showing how the camera, GNSS, and antenna configuration attaches to the Helikite.
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 20-Mar-2024
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition; one day of data collection on March 10, 2023
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: imagery and tabular digital data
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.00000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.00000001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983 (National Spatial Reference System 2011).
      The ellipsoid used is GRS_1980.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Altitude_System_Definition:
      Altitude_Datum_Name: North American Vertical Datum of 1988
      Altitude_Resolution: 0.001
      Altitude_Distance_Units: meters
      Altitude_Encoding_Method:
      Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    2024-011-FA_HOM_f1.zip contains 1,459 photos.
    JPEG photos taken from the SONY a6000. (Source: USGS)
    2024-011-FA_HOM_photoLocations.csv contains 1,459 data records.
    The CSV file contains the estimated location of the camera at the moment of each image capture). (Source: USGS)
    ImageName
    File names of individual images, see the Data_Quality_Information and Process_Description for file naming convention. (Source: USGS) Character string.
    Date
    Date photos were collected in YYYYMMDD (Source: Processor defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:20240320
    Maximum:20240320
    Units:YYYYMMDD
    Time_UTC
    Time in HH:MM:SS of the camera position based on the GPS in coordinated universal time (UTC). (Source: Processor defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:12:10:34
    Maximum:13:23:28
    Units:HH:MM:SS UTC
    Latitude NAD83[2011]
    Estimated latitude of camera position based on SfM reconstruction, in decimal degrees (NAD83[2011]). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:42.04971420
    Maximum:42.05223817
    Units:decimal degrees
    Longtitude NAD83[2011]
    Estimated longitude of camera position based on SfM reconstruction, in decimal degrees (NAD83[2011]). (Source: None)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-70.07942169
    Maximum:-70.07523059
    Units:decimal degrees
    Ellipsoid NAD83[2011]
    Estimated altitude of camera position based on SfM reconstruction, in relation to the NAD83(2011) reference ellipsoid. (Source: None)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-10.210
    Maximum:25.963
    Units:meters
    Northing 19N
    Estimated X-coordinate of camera position based on SfM reconstruction, in NAD83(2011)/UTM Zone 19N. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4655856.220
    Maximum:4656139.176
    Units:meters
    Easting 19N
    Estimated Y-coordinate of camera position based on SfM reconstruction in NAD83(2011)/UTM Zone 19N. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:410676.799
    Maximum:411021.810
    Units:meters
    Orthometric NAVD88
    Estimated Z-coordinate of camera position based on SfM reconstruction, in relation to the NAVD88 datum with Geoid 18. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:17.374
    Maximum:53.551
    Units:meters
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    The attributes Latitude NAD83[2011], Longitude NAD83[2011], and Orthometric NAVD88 were included in the image headers as GPSLatitude, GPSLongitude, and GPSAltitude, respectively. A GPSMapDatum header was also included in the images specifying that the latitude and longitude are in NAD83(2011) and altitude is in NAVD88 Geoid18.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: USGS Field Activity 2024-011-FA

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • Jin-Si R. Over
    • Peter A. Traykovski
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Jin-Si R. Over
    U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Geographer
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2297 (voice)
    jover@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

These RGB 3-band images were collected to map the beach and bluffs with sufficient overlap to produce structure-from-motion photogrammetry products. Each image has position information extracted from the Metashape project.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: Mar-2024 (process 1 of 2)
    These JPEG images were collected with a camera (Sony a6000) hung from the Helikite via a Go-Pro mount (2024-011-FA_HOM_imagery_browse.JPG) so that the camera faced downward and towards the bluff at about 40 degrees. The Helikite was on a 60 m string and kitesurfing harness; together the Helikite and gear were walked up and down the beach to achieve overlapping images taken every 5 seconds. Person who carried out this activity:
    Peter Traykovski
    Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Associate Scientist
    226 Woods Hole Rd, MS #12
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-289-2638 (voice)
    ptraykovski@whoi.edu
    Date: Apr-2024 (process 2 of 2)
    The images acquired with the camera were geotagged and processed to add additional information required by the USGS to the EXIF headers using ExifTools (https://exiftool.org/, version: 12.06), and the files were renamed to a unique identifier using Namexif (http://www.digicamsoft.com/softnamexif.html, version 2.1) to avoid any possibility of duplicate names. These steps are described here. For more information on the EXIF tags here and automatically populated by the camera see https://exiftool.org/TagNames/EXIF.html
    1. The horizontal positions and elevations of each image (2024-011-FA_HOM_photoLocations.csv) are from the estimated locations in the Metashape project that was reconstructed using structure from motion based on the images and AeroPoints (see larger work citation). ExifTools was used to tag each photo with the following tags: Credit, Copyright, UsageTerms, ImageDescription, Artist, XMP:ExternalMetadataLink, XMP:UsageTerms, XMP:AttributionURL, XMP:PreservedFilename, GPSTimeStamp, GPSAltitudeRef, GPSLatitudeRef, GPSLongitudeRef, GPSAreaInfo, GPSMapDatum, GPSLatitude, GPSLongitude, and GPSAltitude stored in a CSV file with the command:' -exiftool -csv="C:\directory\name\Geotags_EXIF.csv" C:\directory\name\of\photos *.JPG
    The first row of the CSV are the tag names; the first column is SourceName (unique image names).
    To read out the photo information to a CSV when in the directory with the photos the command is: exiftool -csv *.JPG > directory/name/allheaders_out.csv
    2. All the JPEG images were renamed with Namexif (https://us.digicamsoft.com/softnamexif.html v 2.2 accessed April 2020) to ensure unique filenames and compliance with the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program's best practices for image naming convention. Images were renamed with the field survey ID prefix; flight number, and ID that distinguishes USGS cameras by make/camera number, the image acquisition date, coordinated universal time (UTC) in ISO8601 format, and a suffix with the original image name. For example, image name '2024011FA_f01s6000_20240320T165822Z_image####.jpg', 2024011FA is the survey ID, f01 is the flight number, s6000 is the camera make (SONY) and model (6000), and 20240320 is the UTC date in the format YYYYMMDD. A 'T' is used to separate UTC date from UTC time in format HHMMSS followed by a Z, and image####.jpg is the original raw photo name appended to the end of the new filename. Person who carried out this activity:
    Jin-Si R. Over
    U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Geographer
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2297 (voice)
    jover@usgs.gov
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Over, Jin-Si R., Sherwood, Chris R., and Traykovski, Peter A., 2023, Topographic and bathymetric data, structure from motion imagery, and ground control data collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, MA in February and March 2023, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2023-011-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/P9FYVLCD, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    This publication is the survey data of Head of the Meadow Beach from 2023.
    Over, Jin-Si R., Sherwood, Chris R., Traykovski, Peter A., and Marsjanik, Eric, 2022, Topographic and bathymetric data, structure from motion imagery, and ground control data collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro, MA in March 2022, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2022-015-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/P9GEVWG1, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    This publication is the survey data of Head of the Meadow Beach from 2022.
    Over, Jin-Si R., Sherwood, Chris R., and Traykovski, Peter A., 2022, Topographic and bathymetric data, structure from motion imagery, and ground control data collected at Head of the Meadow, Truro in February 2021, U.S Geological Survey Field Activity 2021-014-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/P9D94NZ3, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    This publication is the survey data of Head of the Meadow Beach from 2021.
    Over, Jin-Si R., Sherwood, Chris R., Traykovski, Peter A., Brosnahan, Sandra M., Marsjanik, Eric E., and Borden, John S., 2021, Topographic and bathymetric data, sediment samples, and beach imagery collected at Head of the Meadow, Truro in March 2020, U.S Geological Survey Field Activity 2020-015-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/P9KSG1RQ, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    This publication is the survey data of Head of the Meadow Beach from 2020.

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    The camera (Sony a6000) used on the Helikite acquired 24 megapixel photos, with file sizes generally between 8 and 10 MB on disc, depending on image complexity. Some images were blurry due to movement and changing low light conditions.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Though the images do not represent spatial data, the spatial information is available in the EXIF header of each image, which is derived from the Agisoft Metashape project estimated locations, and is provided in the larger work citation (2024-011-FA_HOM_photoLocations.csv). The horizontal accuracy of the project is 3 cm.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Though the images do not represent spatial data, the spatial information is available in the EXIF header of each image, which is derived from the Agisoft Metashape project estimated locations, and is provided in the larger work citation (2024-011-FA_HOM_photoLocations.csv). The vertical accuracy of the project is 1 cm.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Photographs were captured every 5 seconds but only 1429 are provided; images taken while the Helikite was launched and put away were removed. All photos included have location information. Due to tide and wind conditions the lower beach was not captured and the total area surveyed is smaller than previous surveys (see Cross References).
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    One flight was flown at a target elevation of 40-60 m to map the Head of the Meadow Beach shoreline and bluff face in Truro, MA, on March 10, 2023.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints None
Use_Constraints Public domain data from the U.S. Government are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the source of this information.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase
    Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
    Denver, CO

    1-888-275-8747 (voice)
    sciencebase@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? The Windows 10 zip file 2024-011-FA_HOM_f1.zip contains 1,459 JPEG images and 2024-011-FA_HOM_photolocations.csv contains the PPK GNSS navigation data.
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    Use of these files requires software capable of opening JPEG images and, if desired, capable of reading the associated EXIF information. Additionally, the location information is provided in a CSV file for the user to utilize with appropriate software.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 30-May-2024
Metadata author:
Jin-Si R. Over
U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Geographer
U.S. Geological Survey
Woods Hole, MA

508-548-8700 x2297 (voice)
whsc_data_contact@usgs.gov
Contact_Instructions:
The metadata contact email address is a generic address in the event the person is no longer with USGS.
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/whcmsc/SB_data_release/DR_P1N57AEG/2024-011-FA_HOM_imagery_meta.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Fri Jun 7 15:28:28 2024