NOAA's Shoreline Survey Maps - Raster NOAA-NOS Shoreline Survey Manuscripts that define the shoreline and alongshore natural and man-made features

NOS coastal survey maps (often called t-sheet or tp-sheet maps) are special use planimetric or topographic maps that precisely define the shoreline and alongshore natural and man-made features, such as rocks, bulkheads, jetties, piers, and ramps. These maps typically range in scale from 1:5,000 to 1:40,000. The first shoreline survey was completed in 1834. Since the early 1800's, over 12,000 coastal survey maps have been constructed. These maps permanently reside within the offices of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

NOS coastal survey maps serve as the basic database of shoreline and topography used in the production of nautical charts. Historical data from these surveys are often used in litigation to determine property ownership, to enforce regulatory mandates, and to estimate rates of shoreline change. Coastal Survey maps are used in many areas of coastal management including: 1) establishing marine bounday limits for offshore lease permits, 2) determining baselines for setback limits for flood insurance, and 3) managing coastal resources and analyzing coastal change. Additionally, these maps provide an accurate framework of geomorphic data for generating related products, such as submerged aquatic vegetation maps and shoreline movement maps used in managing the nation's coastal resources.

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In 1807, Thomas Jefferson created an organization named the Survey of the Coast "...to cause a survey to be taken of coasts of the United States, in which shall be designated the islands and shoals and places of anchorage..." The first shoreline survey was completed in 1834. Since the early 1800's, over 14,000 coastal survey maps have been constructed. These maps provide coverage of about two-thirds of the Nation's coast. There are about 2,000 current Coastal Survey Maps covering the shoreline of the United States and its territories.Publication Date Range is 1834 though 1989

The NOS Data Explorer currently contains an index of 6,000 Coastal Survey Maps, and the corresponding raster TIF images (400 dpi) for the entire Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts, and portions of the Great Lakes, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The data were created by the National Ocean Service, National Geodetic Survey and its predecessor agencies as part of its ongoing mission to provide base maps of the coastline. Details on the survey methodology for individual coastal survey maps can be found in the Descriptive Reports on the NGS website: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/newsys_ims/shoreline/index.cfm (To view Descriptive Reports search for data and follow the links in the metadata for specific shoreline projects).

Not intended for navigational purposes

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These data were generated for use by NGS during the course of its development of potential final products to fulfill its statutory mission. Although NGS is making these data available to others who may find the data of value, NGS does not warrant, endorse or recommend the use of these data for any given purpose. The user assumes the entire risk related to the use of these data. These data are not for navigation purposes. NGS is providing these data "as is," and NGS disclaims any and all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will NGS be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages or lost profits resulting from any use or misuse of these data.