Coastal Data Information Program - CDIP



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Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP)

Ever hear or read the surf report and wonder where the information regarding waves comes from? How about the effects of waves on sand movement along our local beaches?

The Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP) is an extensive network for monitoring waves and their effects along the coastlines of the United States, with a strong emphasis in Southern California. Since its inception in 1975, the program has produced a vast database of publicly-accessible environmental data for use by coastal engineers and planners, scientists, mariners, and marine enthusiasts.

A central focus of the group's work is providing real-time wave data to a variety of users. Through the CDIP website () and in cooperation with NOAA's National Weather Service and National Data Buoy Center, the program's latest measurements are distributed to thousands of users each and every hour. These users are professional - harbor masters, lifeguards, mariners, etc. - and recreational - boaters, surfers and beach-goers. Through the widespread distribution of this information, CDIP aims to promote public safety and the responsible use and enjoyment of our coastal resources.

Wave data is also used in other research contexts and CDIP researchers are currently working on the Southern California Beach Processes Study (SCBPS). Ongoing observations of beach erosion and accretion (obtained with GPS- equipped aircraft, personal watercraft, all terrain vehicles, and hand-pushed dollies) are used by SCBPS scientists to test and develop models for beach erosion.

A program objective is to better understand the relationship between waves and changes in beach sand level, and to include this understanding in models that can be used for beach management. Wave observations from the Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP) are combined with near-shore sand level measurements to monitor both natural variability and human-induced changes to our coastline.

CDIP is operated by the Ocean Engineering Research Group (OERG), part of the Integrative Oceanography Division (IOD) at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). CDIP and SCBPS are funded through a Cooperative Agreement between U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Boating and Waterways.

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Sand level change from Summer 2002 – Summer 2004 along Oceanside beaches. Blues colors represent sand was lost (erosion). Red colors represent sand was gained (accretion). Imagery from GPS equipped aircraft is the tan colored shaded relief underneath sand level change levels.

CDIP swell model of wave heights offshore Southern California. This image is updated every hour on the web with measurements from CDIP buoys. Note complex wave shadowing effects from offshore islands.

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