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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Marine Trackline Geophysical Database

browse graphicMap showing a web mercator projection of the trackline web map data discovery portal.
This data set contains bathymetry, magnetic, gravity and seismic shot point navigation data collected during marine cruises from 1939 to the present. Coverage is worldwide. These data are stored in the MGD77 exchange format and are available for download in a variety of user selectable formats. One Header record and multiple Data records are available for a particular cruise/leg (port to port operation). The Header record documents both the content and the structure of the subsequent Data records, containing that part of the data that remains invariant throughout the cruise. The Data records present geophysical data (bathymetry, magnetics and gravity) and seismic information (shot-point identification) with a corresponding time and position. Documentation that varies within the cruise is also included with the data records. Data are fully searchable on-line by geographic area, year of cruise, institution, platform, cruise, date or data type.
  • Cite as: NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. 1977: Marine Trackline Geophysical Database. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/doi:10.7289/V5CZ35DR. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.ngdc:G00129
Search Data
Distribution Formats
  • MGD77T
  • XYZ
Ordering Instructions Ordering Instructions: Trackline data can be obtained by visiting the Geophysical Survey Data Viewer. The user must then select the desired parameters (bathymetry, magnetics, gravity or seismic) and any other applicable filters. The user is then able to get all of the data that fit this criteria (within certain size limits) or may further refine their request by designating an area of interest. The user is then taken to a landing page where they can further refine the data that they would like to be delivered, format, and any other data that is available. The user then provides an email address where the user will be informed when their data package is available for download.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Trackline Team
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
trackline.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 1939-01-01 to Present
Spatial Reference System Through the collection reference systems have vaired with time and location. Please see survey level metadata for detailed information.
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -180.00
East: 180.00
South: -90.00
North: 90.00
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
  • Marine Geophysical Trackline Data Homepage
    NCEI's Marine Trackline Geophysical database provides access to bathymetry, magnetics, gravity and seismic reflection data collected during marine cruises from 1939 to the present. Coverage is worldwide. Data sources include both US and non-US oceanographic institutions, universities, and government agencies.
Publication Dates
  • creation: 1939
  • revision: 2023
  • publication: 2023-09-15
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency Irregular
Purpose Marine Research and Commercial Exploration
Use Limitations
  • Not to be used for navigation. Although these data are of high quality and useful for planning and modeling purposes, they are not suitable for navigation. For navigation, please refer to the NOS nautical chart series.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. 1977: Marine Trackline Geophysical Database. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/doi:10.7289/V5CZ35DR. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors
  • NOAA National Geophysical Data Center
Originators
  • U.S. and Foreign Academic Institutions
  • U.S. and Foreign Government Agencies
  • Private Companies
Custodians
  • Dataset contact information not available
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Water Depth
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Marine Geophysics > Magnetic Anomalies
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Marine Geophysics > Marine Gravity Field
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Marine Geophysics > Marine Magnetics
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geodetics/Gravity > Gravity
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Anomalies
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Geomagnetism > Magnetic Field
  • Earth Science > Solid Earth > Seismology > Seismic Profile
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry
  • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Seafloor Topography
INFOTERRA Keyword Thesaurus
  • INFOTERRA > Energy > Energy processes > Natural gas exploration
  • INFOTERRA > Energy > Energy processes > Oil exploration
  • INFOTERRA > Subject disciplines > Geophysics > Geophysics
NGDA Portfolio Themes
  • NGDA
  • National Geospatial Data Asset
  • Elevation Theme
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Service Keywords
  • DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION > GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS > WEB-BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
  • DATA MANAGEMENT/DATA HANDLING > DATA SEARCH AND RETRIEVAL
  • DATA ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION > VISUALIZATION/IMAGE PROCESSING
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Geographic Region > Global Ocean
  • Vertical Location > Sea Floor
  • Ocean > Arctic Ocean
  • Ocean > Atlantic Ocean
  • Ocean > Indian Ocean
  • Ocean > Pacific Ocean
  • Ocean > Southern Ocean
Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
  • ICSU-WDS > International Council for Science - World Data System
Use 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.
Access Constraints
  • 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.
Other Constraints Cite as: NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. 1977: Marine Trackline Geophysical Database. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/doi:10.7289/V5CZ35DR. Accessed [date].
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: dataset
Source Datasets
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.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • ECHO SOUNDERS
  • GRAVIMETERS
  • MAGNETOMETERS
  • SEISMIC REFLECTION PROFILERS
Last Modified: 2023-09-15
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov