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Converting Bathymetry data into a contour map

Converting Bathymetry data into a contour map

Converting Bathymetry data into a contour map

(OP)
I am trying to find a piece of software on the net that I can use to convert a large set of bathymetry data into a contour map.  The data that I have consists of 20000 points with x and y co-ordinates, each with a listed depth.  They are in no particular order.  [It is a set of measurements taken by boat in a harbour basin.]  I need a piece of software that can convert this data into a contour map showing the depths across the basin.  Extensive net searching has yielded nothing so far!

RE: Converting Bathymetry data into a contour map

If it is just for a contour maps, I think a small program similar to "Surfer" software would be adequate. It used to be a DOS program, relatively small, but quick. However, nowadays it is available for windows version, and it is not free.  You may enter the x,y and z coordinates from spreadsheet tables or free format files.
Check their website http://www.goldensoftware.com
Hope that this helps

RE: Converting Bathymetry data into a contour map

There should be several shareware and/or freeware programs available on the web. Simtel would be a good start. COGS (Computer Oriented Geological Society -- now inactive) had a few DOS programs in their package of free offerings. I know their package is available over the net through one of the geology groups. USGS has some viewers for the DEM format (which is essentially nothing more than x, y, z data). The best Windows-based general package is Surfer from Golden Software -- which is what I have used for years. The generated contours are based on a powerful statistical analysis of the data patterns and the results are generally very close to reality. They do have a downloadable demo on their web-site but I don't know if the demo would handle a dataset of your size.

In searching the web for software, try using keywords such as:

topo, grid, gridding, contouring, USGS, DEM, mapping, download

Also, many of the 3-d enabled cadd programs have facilities for importing x-y-z data and building a mesh -- but not necessarily doing the actual contouring. Also, you might want to contact a local surveyor or a nearby general civil engineering firm -- they usually have facilities for generating and plotting contour maps.

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