One of the requirements for PADI's Divemaster course is to create a map of a dive site. Due to time constraints and convenience, the guys in my class all decided to map Quail Run Quarry in Rolla, MO. This quarry has been the subject of many mapping projects, so we quickly came up with an idea to use sonar and GPS to create the most accurate map to date. After researching the matter, we landed with a Lowrance CHIRP-4 and Reef Master.

We ran several perimeter passes, East-West, and North-South passes of the entire quarry. Using a surface marker buoy and dry bag, towed along a hand held GPS unit while located points of interest on the bottom, then surfaced to mark a waypoint at each. With the GPS data we were able to create a point to point navigation chart with compass heading and distance.

The average visibility in the quarry is only about 8 feet, so having the ability to view the entire quarry in 3D really puts everything into perspective!

Cool!

Really nice example.