Crowd Depth

Help improve nautical charts by sharing depth data from your vessel. Together, we can create better, more accurate bathymetric data for everyone.

What is Crowd Depth?

Crowd Depth is an initiative to collect and share depth soundings from recreational and commercial vessels to improve nautical charts and bathymetric data. By crowdsourcing depth measurements, we can:

  • • Identify uncharted hazards and shallow areas
  • • Update charts with recent depth changes
  • • Fill gaps in existing bathymetric coverage
  • • Make navigation safer for all mariners

How It Works

1

Install Plugin

Install the Crowd Depth plugin for Signal K on your vessel. It automatically collects depth and position data while you cruise.

2

Collect Data

The plugin records depth soundings along with GPS coordinates and timestamps as you navigate. All processing happens in the background.

3

Share & Contribute

Data is securely uploaded to participating bathymetry programs, where it's used to improve charts and navigation products.

Signal K Plugin

Easy Installation on Signal K

If you're running Signal K on your vessel, installing Crowd Depth is simple. The plugin integrates seamlessly with your existing navigation system. 

# Via Signal K App Store
1. Open Signal K web interface
2. Go to Appstore
3. Search for "crowd-depth"
4. Click Install

# Or via npm
npm install signalk-crowd-depth
View on GitHub Read Documentation

Data Viewer

Interactive Map Coming Soon

We're building an interactive viewer to visualize crowd-sourced depth data. Check back soon!

Privacy & Data Usage

Your Data, Your Control

You maintain full control over what data is collected and shared. The plugin allows you to:

  • • Enable or disable data collection at any time
  • • Choose which bathymetry programs to share with
  • • Review data before submission

Open Data for All

Contributed data is shared under open licenses and made available to hydrographic offices, chart makers, and navigation app developers to improve products for all mariners.

Start Contributing

Install the Crowd Depth plugin today and help make navigation safer for everyone.

Get Started on GitHub