Kivalina Village Relocation Kivalina, Alaska

Aerial photography of the preferred relocation sites included installation of aerial photo panels. The panels were surveyed with a fast-static Global Positioning System (GPS). Ellipsoidal elevations were established on the panels and monuments at two sites. We installed permanent monuments on the baseline, which were included in the GPS static network. Levels were surveyed using the tidal benchmarks at Kivalina.

Hydrographic surveys were conducted in the Chuckchi Sea on both sides of the barrier spit using a single beam echo sounder and Differential GPS (DGPS). A local base station was established on one of the permanent control monuments and transmitted correctors to the survey system. Tidal control came from a tide gauge set in the inner lagoon and tied to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).

Our hydrographers measured cross sections at three river sites; one at the Wulik River, and two at the Kivalina River. These cross sections were surveyed with conventional and single beam hydrographic surveying technologies. Elevations were tied into the control net. During the project, our Team Member provided geophysical measurements on land. The locations of these measurements were surveyed by TerraSond personnel using conventional and GPS techniques.

All surveys were tied to a permanent control network. Vertical control was tied to MLLW at the village.

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