GSDA:Obtaining Bathymetry Data from GEODAS Design-a-Grid

From XMS Wiki - http://wikis.aquaveo.com/xms/

GEODAS stands for GEOphysical DAta System. It is a database system developed and managed by the NGDC (National Geophysical Data Center), a division of NOAA. GEODAS provides a tool where you can specify an oceanic, sea or lake area you wish to study and find bathymetric data for.

1. Choose the "Obtain bathymetry data from GEODAS Design-a-Grid" link, or go directly with this link http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/gdas/gd_designagrid.html.
   This will take you to the GEODAS Design-a-Grid on the NGDC website.
2. First thing you need to do is enter a grid name in the Grid Id field.
3. Next you must choose what database you wish to get your grid information from. Select the US Coastal Relief Model Grids option from the Grid Database dropdown list.
   
   NOTE: Each database will have the adjustable parameters listed with their current settings described.
   
   
4. It is necessary to set a few parameters for your grid.
   1. The first parameter is the latitude/longitude area bounds of your grid. This is where you indicate the size and location of the study area, and thus it is essential that you specify the correct coordinates. Click the Lat/Lon... button. Input your coordinates into the proper bounding boxes. Once finished click OK.
      
      Need help finding coordinates, use the Coastal Relief Model webpage.
      
      
   2. Another important parameter is the grid format. You have to specify how you want the data to be formatted. Click the Format... button. On the GEODAS: Grid Format window choose the XYZ (lon,lat,depth) format option. Leave the others on their defaults. Click OK.
   3. Leave the other parameters on their defaults.
5. Now that the parameters are set it is possible to download the data. Click the Design-a-Grid button near the top of the page. You will be taken to another page confirming your grid file creation.
6. Click the Next button. You will be taken to another page where you can compress and retrieve your file.
7. Click the COMPRESS AND RETRIEVE button. You will be taken to another page that indicates the size and possible download times for your file depending on the connection.
8. Click the Retrieve button. A File Download window should open up, prompting you to save the file.
9. Hit the Save button and save it to your computer.
10. Decompress the zip file (need help decompressing?).

The bathymetry data that you have sought is now yours. It can be readily imported into WMS and SMS.