4: Streamlining Data Collection and Management
IN THIS LESSON
Corinne Amir, Research Coordinator | NOAA’s Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center
In this lesson, we’ll guide you through all the pre-dive essentials so you and your team are ready to capture high-quality images without missing a step.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the key pre-field and day-of preparations including setting up datasheets, using sitemaps, and creating packing lists and pre-dive checklists.
Become familiar with essential camera settings, including ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, and their impact on image quality.
Learn how to properly white balance your camera and the importance of practicing this before diving.
Get advice on SD card management, camera choice, and lens size to optimize your underwater imaging setup
Remember the Field Day Packing List and Pre-Dive Camera Checklist—these are essential resources to review and refer back to!
Supplementary Videos: Lessons from the Field
In this series of videos, experienced practitioners share firsthand insights and practical advice on conducting Large-Area Imaging (LAI) underwater. Through real-world stories, each video highlights strategies for overcoming challenges in the field, offer valuable guidance for both new and seasoned professionals, helping you plan, adapt, and succeed in dynamic underwater environments
Swimming with Current
Anela Akiona, PhD Student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Key Takeaways:
Check Surface Conditions Frequently - Don't rely on initial impressions, and reassess the surface before every dive.
Monitor Tides and Floats - Watch for tide changes, and use surface marker floats as indicators.
Be Flexible with Equipment and Roles - Consider using one camera, rotating tasks, or splitting the dive into two.
Swim with the Current - Plan your route to minimize effort.
Always Have an Exit Strategy - Prepare for strong currents, and remember that calling off a dive for safety is okay.
Being Flexible
Dr. Beverly French, postdoctoral fellow at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Get practical advice for making LAI dives smoother and more efficient right from the start!
Key Takeaways:
things may not always go as planned— be prepared, stay flexible, think creatively, and focus on safety to keep the day running smoothly.
Swimming and Not Getting Lost
Dr. Brian Zgliczynski, Staff Researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Project Coordinator of the 100 Island Challenge Project
Key Takeaways:
When in doubt, make extra passes over the area to collect more photos and ensure complete coverage.
In murky conditions, using a compass can help you maintain orientation, and paying attention to key underwater features will guide your navigation. Additionally, using a float provides spatial awareness and helps keep track of reference points during the dive.
Finding Your Site
Dr. Brian Zgliczynski, Staff Researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Project Coordinator of the 100 Island Challenge Project
Key Takeaways:
Plan Before You Dive - Establish a clear plan for finding the site and communicate it with your team.
Install Permanent Markers - Secure markers firmly so they stay in place for future reference.
Use GPS and Metadata - Rely on GPS coordinates and maps from previous surveys to guide you.
Prepare for Challenges - Have a backup plan in case the site is hard to locate.
Surge
Katie Lubarsky, Staff Researcher in the Sandin Lab
In this video, Katie discusses strategies for navigating surge conditions, which can make it challenging to swim in straight lines or maintain a steady speed.
Key takeaways:
If you can learn to anticipate changes in surge direction, you can adjust your movements to stay as steady as possible.
Keep in communication with your dive buddy, and consider rotating tasks to conserve energy or air.
Forgetting Things Underwater
Nicole Pedersen, Staff Researcher in the Sandin Lab
Key Takeaways
Always check for key items like a pencil (and make sure it works!) before diving.
Carry spares of small items that are easy to lose or break, so you’re always prepared.
A checklist can help ensure you don’t forget anything before heading underwater.
Think Creatively to Troubleshoot - If you forget something, use creative alternatives—like your camera—to work around the issue and keep collecting data.
Camera Gear Issues
Dr. Brian Zgliczynski, Staff Researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Project Coordinator of the 100 Island Challenge Project
This video covers common issues with camera gear during underwater surveys and tips to troubleshoot them efficiently.
Key Takeaways:
Regular maintenance and dry runs are essential for catching potential issues early, ensuring your gear performs reliably underwater.
Before diving, test all buttons on your camera housing to make sure they’re functioning smoothly.
To prevent fogging, avoid leaving your camera in the sun.
In case of flooding, turn the dome downward to check for pooling water, allowing you to quickly assess and address leaks.
Camera Issues
Corinne Amir, Research Coordinator, NOAA Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)
This video covers a few camera issues Corinne and her team have encountered while collecting imagery and provides troubleshooting tips to address them.
Key Takeaways:
Underexposure/Overexposure Fixes: Learning basic editing skills in software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop is highly recommended to enhance these images before creating your model.
White Balance Errors: Errors, such as “error please wait,” may occur while setting the white balance. We recommend white balancing your camera above the water as a test. If this happens, try switching the SD card or using a different camera.