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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Aids to Navigation (ATONS) GIS data from the Gulf of Mexico and coastal waters of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas as of 1999-10-21 (NCEI Accession 0000599)

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This dataset contains a GIS database of Aids to Navigation in the Gulf of Mexico and coastal waters of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. These data were compiled on 1999-10-21.

The term "Aids to Navigation" (ATONS or AIDS) refers to a device outside of a vessel used to assist mariners in determining their position or safe course, or to warn them of obstructions. AIDS to navigation include lighthouses, lights, buoy, sound signals, landmarks, RACONs, radio beacons, LORAN, and omega. These include AIDS which are installed and maintained by the Coast Guard as well as privately installed and maintained aids (permit required). This does not include unofficial AIDS (illegal) such as stakes, PVC pipes, and such placed without permission.

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 current status of 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 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 Notices to Mariners reports 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 dataset may be obtained from each USCG District Headquarters.

Geographic Information System (GIS) software is required to display the data in this NCEI accession.
  • Cite as: Ward, David; Florida Marine Research Institute (2001). Aids to Navigation (ATONS) GIS data from the Gulf of Mexico and coastal waters of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas as of 1999-10-21 (NCEI Accession 0000599). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Unpublished Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0000599. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.nodc:0000599
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Distribution Formats
  • Originator data format
Ordering Instructions Data in this archival information package are not currently available for public download from NCEI. Please contact NCEI directly for access to these data.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
+1-301-713-3277
NCEI.Info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 1999-01-01 to 1999-10-21
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -98.320706
East: -61.876841
South: 17.398031
North: 32.288483
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2001-10-29
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Pending - committed to, but not yet addressed
Data Update Frequency As needed
Purpose To represent aids to navigation in a vector format.
Use Limitations
  • Data in this archival information package are not currently available for public download from NCEI. Please contact NCEI directly for access to these data.
  • accessLevel: Public
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
  • This data set is not certified for navigation and is not intended to be used for navigation purposes.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Ward, David; Florida Marine Research Institute (2001). Aids to Navigation (ATONS) GIS data from the Gulf of Mexico and coastal waters of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas as of 1999-10-21 (NCEI Accession 0000599). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Unpublished Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0000599. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors
Contributors
Resource Providers
Publishers
Theme keywords NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS WMO_CategoryCode
  • oceanography
Originator Keywords
  • AIDS
  • ATONS
  • GIS
  • mapping
  • transport
Data Center keywords NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
Place keywords NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords Originator Place Names
  • Atlantic Ocean
  • Florida
  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Statewide
Project keywords Programs
  • Coastal and Marine Resource Assessment (CAMRA)
Keywords NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: Ward, David; Florida Marine Research Institute (2001). Aids to Navigation (ATONS) GIS data from the Gulf of Mexico and coastal waters of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas as of 1999-10-21 (NCEI Accession 0000599). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Unpublished Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0000599. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2024-01-07T17:44:24Z
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