TIDAL LEVELS and DATUMS

INTRODUCTION

This slides is intended to provide sufficient knowledge to

understand the principles of tidal datums and the theory to
establish a datum by all the recognised methods.
When conducting a survey, the surveyor needs to measure
heights and depths above or below certain fixed levels,
which are referred to as datums.
The datum to which depths are to be reduced is
fundamental to any survey and will contain details of how
this is to be established.
Before understanding datums we must first consider the
tidal levels in use.
Tidal measurements are required to support the following:
▪ Shipping Movements.
Real time observations are required in ports to show how much water is available
for berthing vessels.
▪ Tide Tables.
Predicted tides are contained in tide tables. The predictions are based upon the
analysis of previous tides.
▪ Definition of the Coastline.
In surveying and mapping the legal definition of the coastline is related to
particular tidal datums. These can only be deduced from measurements of the
tide.
▪ Mean Sea Level.
The determination of mean sea level is important to detect long term changes in
climate and weather patterns, (ice cap melting, etc.).
▪ Hydrography.
The height of tide must be known and accounted for on charted heights and
depths.
▪ Flood and Storm Warnings.
To estimate storm surge and flooding risks both in the long and short term. The
knowledge of the frequency of abnormal levels and the incidence of storm surges
is essential. This enables harbour works and coastal protection to be properly
designed.
 DEFINITIONS OF DATUMS

Mean Sea Level (MSL)

MSL is the natural reference level of the geoid, and is defined as the
average level taken up by the sea over a long period (18.6 years if
possible).
In practice it is obtained from the mean of all tide readings or MSL is the
average level taken up by the sea.
It coincides very nearly with the geoid.
The accuracy MSL depend on along period of tidal observation.
The best result can be obtained with 18.6 years observations
MSL is the best vertical reference level we have, and as such is the BASIC
REFERENCE LEVEL for tides.
Observed MSL is subject to change due to:
▪ Polar melting or glacial activity.
▪ Meteorological effects (rain, wind, pressure)
▪ Short period effects: sea, swell, surges etc.
▪ Tectonics (Crustal changes).
▪ Astronomical effects. (Changes in MSL due to the combined effects
likes seasonal meteorological variations)
MSL can only be determined by observation as follows:
▪ Mean of all tide readings over a long period (30 days to 18.6 years)
▪ Multiple of 25 hourly observations (preferably 3 days - 75 hours).
▪ Mean of 25 hourly observations (poorer value).
Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)
By definition, LAT is the lowest level that can be predicted to occur
under average meteorological conditions and under any combination
of astronomical conditions.
There is no simple formula or rule available to calculate LAT from
observations or tidal constituents.
It can only be obtained properly by studying tidal predictions covering
several years (18.6 years ideally), as the level of LAT will not be
reached every year.
Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT)
▪ HAT is the highest level which can be predicted to occur under
average meteorology condition and under any combination of
astronomical conditions.
▪ The mean of the higher of the two daily high waters experienced
over a periods.
▪ For the area have a mainly diurnal tide.
 TIDAL LEVELS FOR SEMI DIURNAL TIDE
Mean High Water Spring (MHWS)
The height of MHWS is the average spring high water level taken
over a long of time.

Mean Low Water Spring (MLWS)

The height of MLWS is the average spring low water level

taken over a long of time

Mean High Water Neaps (MHWN)

The height of MHWN is the average neap high water level taken
over a long of time

Mean Low Water Neaps (MLWN)

The height of MLWN is the average neap low water level taken
over a long of time
 TIDAL LEVELS FOR DIURNAL TIDE
Mean Lower Higher Water (MLHW)
The height of MLHW is the mean of the lower of the two daily
high waters over a long of time.
When only one high water occurs on a day, indicating that the
tide is usually diurnal.
Mean Higher High Water (MHHW)
The height of MHHW is the mean of the higher of the two daily
high waters over a long of time.
When only one high water occurs on a day, this is taken as the
higher high water
Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)
The height of MLLW is the mean of the lower of the two daily low
waters over a long of time.
When only one low water occurs on a day, this is taken as the
lower low water
Mean Higher Low Water (MHLW)
The height of MHLW is the mean of the higher of the two daily
low waters over a long of time.
When only one low water occurs on a day, indicating that the tide
is usually diurnal.
Land Survey Datum (LSD)
▪ For the engineering project
▪ Usually use the vertical datum from established BM
▪ LSD is differing than MSL because reduced level from
established BM is refer MSL at Port Kelang.
▪ Reduced sounding refer to LSD can merge with land details
refer to vertical datum from established BM.
▪ MSL is difference at each location.
 Reduced Depth Refer to Land Survey Datum

Tide Gauge

Water level
Tide refer to
LSD/Reduced tide LSD

Observed
Reduced Depth
Depth
Chart datum (CD)

Reduced Depth = Observed Depth – Tide Refer to LSD/Reduced Tide

Chart Datum (CD)
This is the datum plane that is adopted by the national authority for its
published chart and tidal predictions.
The datum only is used around of tidal observation.
Its difference at each locations.
Depend on the range of tidal or water level.
It will only be the same as the Sounding Datum when the
Hydrographic Office has analysed the survey data and confirmed the
suitability of field surveyor’s choice. The surveyor CANNOT establish
Chart Datum in the field.
Chart Datum is defined by the International Hydrographic Bureau
(IHB) as a level below which the tide will but seldom fall.
In non-tidal waters, CD is normally established at MSL.
Because LAT is so difficult to define precisely, chart datum for
Admiralty and Australian charts has been more broadly defined as the
level below which no predicted tide shall fall by more than 0.lm.
 Reduced Depth Refer to Chart Datum (CD)

Tide Gauge

Water level

LSD
Tide refer to CD /
Reduced Tide Observed
depth

Chart datum (CD) LAT

Reduced
depth

Reduced Depth = Observed Depth – Tide Refer to CD/ Reduced Tide

Sounding Datum (SD)
This is the datum plane to which soundings are reduced in the course of
a hydrographic survey and is therefore the datum used when compiling
the Fair Chart or Final Tracing.
It is the datum which the field surveyor will ESTABLISH and ADOPT.
Ideally Sounding Datum should be the same as Chart Datum, but may
well differ particularly when the original survey is very old.
SELECTION OF SOUNDING DATUM
The following considerations should be borne in mind when selecting a
sounding datum:
• The datum should be low enough for the navigator/mariner to be
confident that, under normal weather conditions, there is always at least
as much water as is shown on the chart.

• The datum should not be so low that it gives an unrepresentative idea of

the least depth of water likely to be found.

• A change in datum must be made within an area whenever the nature

and range of the tide alter appreciably, eg. range changes by >0.5m. If
the tide falls to datum at one place, it should also fall to datum at all other
places in the survey area, and soundings will therefore agree.

• The datum should agree with the established level of Chart Datum if
possible, but this should not delay the start of the survey. If necessary the
chosen datum can be amended in light of a long period of observation
and analysis.
• The datum should be in harmony with the datums of adjacent surveys

• Beware of TIME DIFFERENCES. Although the range (and datum) may be

the same over the entire area, the TIMES of HW and LW may differ from
place to place. With a 6m tidal range, a 10 minute time error COULD
cause a 0.5m reduction error at half-tide. The remedy is to erect extra
tidepoles in successive sub-areas to measure the time differences, or to
use a cotidal chart.

• Care must be taken not to establish datum by erecting a pole/gauge

where the water becomes impounded at LW. Impounding can be detected
from the plotted tidal curve where there is an apparent ‘stand’ at LW. It
may only be apparent at springs. To confirm suspicions set up another
pole further to seaward and compare the ranges and general shape of the
curves at the two poles.
METHODS OF OBTAINING SOUNDING DATUM
There are several methods of obtaining sounding datum. One of
these methods is to be used when establishing datum:

• Recover a previously established Sounding or Chart Datum in

the survey area by levelling from benchmarks.

• Transfer datum from a place close to the survey area where CD

or SD is already established, by taking simultaneous tidal
observations over a period.

• Establish a new datum from observations.

Datum Transfer
• Chart datum can be transfer from establish chart datum
to the survey area.
• It may be transferred to the survey area by taking
simultaneous tidal observation over a period.
• To do this the Hydrographer must set up tide gauges at
the place where chart datum established and in the
survey area.
• The tidal observation required for transfer and the
method used to obtain the transferred datum will be
different depending on the types of tide either semi
diurnal or diurnal tide.
Transferring a datum for semi-diurnal tide
• Simultaneous observations are required at both places to
give heights of four (4) consecutive low waters and three
(3)intermediate high waters at or near spring tides.

b f
d

Mean (Tide) Level

c g
a e
To determine factor values on the table of transferred datum:
Taking two low waters and two high waters:
a + b + c + d
b + c + d + e
c + d + e + f
d + e + f+ g
Sum = a + 2b + 3c + 4d + 3e + 2f + g

Mean (tide) level can be obtained if total level be divided 16

Hence, Mean High Water (MHW) = 2b + 4d + 2f

8
= b + 2d + f
4
Mean Low Water (MLW) = a + 3c + 3e + g
8
 The Flow chart of transferred datum process

Plot the tidal observations at each gauge. From the curves

obtain the heights of the low and high water.

To calculate Mean Low Water (MLW) and Mean High Water (MHW)
( a 3c 3e  g ) (b 2 d  f )
MLW  8 MHW  4
a, c, e, g = The observed heights of the four consecutive low waters.
b, d, f = The observed heights of the three consecutive high waters.

Calculate Observed Mean Range at each gauge from the

differences of the observed M.L.W. and observed M.H.W.
 Calculate Mean Tide Level at each gauge from the means of the
observed M.L.W.s and observed M.H.W.s

If the values M.H.W.S. and M.L.W.S. can be obtained, calculate M,

the True Mean (Tide) Level at Spring:
M  ( MHWS  MLWS )
1
2

If the values M.H.W.S. and M.L.W.S. CAN be obtained,

Calculate sounding datum at the new gauge from the
following formula:

d  m  (M   M)  Mr
R
 If the values M.H.W.S. and M.L.W.S. CANNOT be
obtained, Calculate sounding datum at the new gauge
from the following formula:

d  m  M r
R

• There will not be a much difference in the final result, no matter what
formula is used. The first formula is better when values of M.H.W.S.
and M.L.W.S. above Chart Datum at established tide gauge are
known, since these will been obtained from a long period of
observations.
Established 5.0Survey Area
Station 4.0
4.0
3.0
3.0
R Observed Mean Level
2.0 r
True Spring Mean Level 2.0
(Mxr)
M' M 1.0 R m'
1.0
0.0 d
0.0

Transfer Datum For Semi-Diurnal Tide

Example of calculations
MARINE BASE
5.65 5.03 5.57
b d f

1.13 0.85 1.06 0.7

e 5g
a c

KAPAR
6.00 5.33 5.93
b d f

0.96 0.54 0.89 0.40

a c e g
Steps of calculation
• Tide reading recorded from the observations is booked in the
form.
• The booking is as follow.

At Established Gauge (Marine Base) At New Gauge (Kapar)

Height Above Chart Contribution Height Above Zero of Contributions
Datum For Gauge For
H.W. L.W. Factor H.W.s L.W.s H.W. L.W. Factor H.W.s L.W.s
a 1.13 1 0.96 1
b 5.65 1 6.00 1
c 0.85 3 0.54 3
d 5.03 2 5.33 2
e 1.06 3 0.89 3
f 5.57 1 5.93 1
g 0.75 1 0.40 1
Sum of Contribution
Observed M.H.W and
M.L.W
• After fill-in all the data in the form, calculate for the value.
• Contribution For (H.W.s @ L.W.s) = (H.W @ L.W) ×
Factor

At Established Gauge (Marine Base) At New Gauge (Kapar)

Height Above Chart Contribution Height Above Zero of Contributions
Datum For Gauge For
H.W. L.W. Factor H.W.s L.W.s H.W. L.W. Factor H.W.s L.W.s
a 1.13 1 1.13 0.96 1 0.96
b 5.65 1 5.65 6.00 1 6.00
c 0.85 3 2.55 0.54 3 1.62
d 5.03 2 10.06 5.33 2 10.66
e 1.06 3 3.18 0.89 3 2.67
f 5.57 1 5.57 5.93 1 5.93
g 0.75 1 0.75 0.40 1 0.40
Sum of Contribution
Observed M.H.W and
M.L.W
• Calculate for the sum of contribution and observed M.H.W and
M.L.W.

Observed M.H.W = sum of H.W contributions ÷ 4

Observed M.L.W = sum of L.W contributions ÷ 8
At Established Gauge (Marine Base) At New Gauge (Kapar)
Height Above Chart Contribution Height Above Zero of Contributions
Datum For Gauge For
H.W. L.W. Factor H.W.s L.W.s H.W. L.W. Factor H.W.s L.W.s
a 1.13 1 1.13 0.96 1 0.96
b 5.65 1 5.65 6.00 1 6.00
c 0.85 3 2.55 0.54 3 1.62
d 5.03 2 10.06 5.33 2 10.66
e 1.06 3 3.18 0.89 3 2.67
f 5.57 1 5.57 5.93 1 5.93
g 0.75 1 0.75 0.40 1 0.40
Sum of Contribution 21.28 7.61 22.59 5.65
Observed M.H.W and
5.320 0.951 5.648 0.706
M.L.W
• Calculate for observed Mean Range and observed Mean Level for both
existing and new tide gauge.

Obs. Mean Range (R & r) = Obs. M.H.W – Obs. M.L.W

Obs. Mean Level (M’ & m’) = (1/2) (Obs. M.H.W + Obs. M.L.W)
At Established Gauge (Marine Base) At New Gauge (Kapar)
Height Above Chart Contribution Height Above Zero of Contributions
Datum For Gauge For
H.W. L.W. Factor H.W.s L.W.s H.W. L.W. Factor H.W.s L.W.s
a 1.13 1 1.13 0.96 1 0.96
b 5.65 1 5.65 6.00 1 6.00
c 0.85 3 2.55 0.54 3 1.62
d 5.03 2 10.06 5.33 2 10.66
e 1.06 3 3.18 0.89 3 2.67
f 5.57 1 5.57 5.93 1 5.93
g 0.75 1 0.75 0.40 1 0.40
Sum of Contribution 21.28 7.61 22.59 5.65
Observed M.H.W and
5.320 0.951 5.648 0.706
M.L.W

Obs. Mean Range (R) =

(r) = 4.942
4.369
Obs. Mean Level (M') = (m') = 3.177
3.136
Calculation Of Sounding Datum At New Gauge

▪ The next steps is to calculate for new sounding datum at the new tide
gauge.
▪ Firstly, we must determine the value of true Mean (Tide) Level at spring
at the established tide gauge.

M.H.W.S 5.09 m Refer to the Tide Table

M.L.W.S 0.98 m (Tidal Level at Standard Port )
(see on Port Klang reading)
M = 1/2 (M.H.W.S + M.L.W.S) m
=3.035 m
• Then for the value of (d) at the new tide gauge.

d = { m’ – (M’ – M) – [ M (r/R) ] }
= { 3.177 – (3.136 – 3.035) – [3.035 (4.942/4.369) ] }
= - 0.357 m

d = { m’ – [ M’r / R] }
= { 3.177 – (3.136 × 4.942) }
= 3.177 – 3.547
= -0.370 m

• Therefore, in this case, sounding datum on the new tide gauge is

-0.357m or -0.370m below the zero tide gauge at the new tide
gauge (Kapar).
 Charted
Height

Benchmark

Highest Astronomical Tide HAT

Mean High Water Springs MHWS

Mean High Water Neaps MHWN

Levelled Height Mean Sea Level MSL

Difference Mean Tide Level MTL

Tidal
Heights Mean Low Water Neaps MLWN

Mean Low Water Springs MLWS

CHART DATUM CD
Lowest Astronomical Tide LAT
Charted Depths

Tide Levels and Datums

 The Tidal Method & Equipments

The method and equipment to be used in tidal observation :

The Method of
Tidal Observation

Manual Automatic

Visual Sensors Automatic

(Tide pole) Tide Gauge
 Water Level Sensors
Manual tide gauge:
• Visual sensors
tide pole and tide staffs.

Automatic tide gauge:

• Mechanical sensors
float buoyancy.
• Pressure sensors
diaphragm, bubble, piezoelectric, vibration, strain gauge.
• Acoustic sensors
bottom mounted sounder.
• Electromagnetic sensors
capacitative and restive staffs, altimeter.

These water level sensors are used either for inshore(coastal) or offshore applications.
 Manual Tide Gauge (tide pole)

• The direct reading from tide staffs.

• The equipment like a staff level (unit in meter or decimeter) can be
read.
• They suffer from the problems of human failure in precise, equally
spaced recording.
• The tide staffs must a cover range of tidal fluctuation.
• The zero of staffs level can be reduced with chart datum.
• The tidal data can be obtain base on visual reading on staffs level.
• To be used inshore only.
Tide pole
Automatic Tide Gauge

Tide gauge use float buoyancy

Float tide gauge are the most common stilling

use.
In order to damp out wave noise, either small
opening or long inlet tubes are used.
One example of the first type of pressure-type
gauge, the diagram gauge, is the OTTBORO
GAUGE.
 A Bubbler Pressure Gauge

The principle that the pressure required to forces

bubbles down a submerged tube will increase the
further submerged.

The data can be recorded on graph and digital

storages.

The fluctuation water laver be recorded base on

the pressuring of the sea water level changing
occur.
Automatic tide gauge use water pressure
(Valeport Model 740)
 Criteria for Tide Gauge Location

Near to hydrographic survey area.

Easily built and permanent.
Zero level for chart datum shall always below water surface to
ensure tide gauge station never dry.
Situated at safe and sheltered location.
Must not build at place where water are stagnant. For instance,
at sand bank, though water are fall but still not down to real low
level.
Near to existing bench mark or any reliable reference level.
Stable area, minimum risk being sunken and avoid sediment area.
Convenient for observer to read the tide (if possible, near to
observer accommodation)
Close enough with electric power supply.
 Record of Tidal

Manual Method Automatic Method

Use tide pole Analog and digital method.
Needed observer The analog tide gauge record
To show the fluctuation of water data in graphic.
level in direct and real time for The precision of speed of paper.
the sailor to entry at the port. must be synchronous with times.
To give the true information Plotting system must be accurate.
about the real tide in direct. The automatic tide gauge use the
telemetry system to transfer data.
The data be stored in digital.
 Data Format of Tidal

Water level in certain period of

Water Level time.
Observation Water level in every hour.

Mean water level every days.

Water Level Mean water level every months.
Statistic Mean water level every years.
Mean highest and lowest water.
Amplitude and phase for every
tidal constituents.
 The Tide Tables

List and Tidal

Stations

Determination chart
Tide Prediction datum and water level in
on time using Information standard port base on
in tide tables continues data
observation

Prediction Water Levels

base on analysis
 Relevant Department

For Malaysia and Brunei, Tide tables be produced by:

The Royal Malyasian Navy (RMN)

Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM)

.
Tide Tables for Johor Bahru
Tidal Information for the Johor Bahru Tidal Station

JOHOR BAHRU

1. Kedudukan : 1. Position :
Garislintang 010 27’ 42” U Latitude 010 27’ 42” N
Garisbujur 1030 47’ 30” T Longitude 1030 47’ 30” E

2. Aras Datum 2. Datum Level

1.811 meter bawah Aras Laut 1.811 metres below Mean Sea
Min Level

3. Jenis Pasang : Bercampur 3. Type of Tide : Mix

Surut (Semiharian (Dominant
Dominan) Semi Diurnal)

Pasang Perbani 3.00 m. Spring Rise 3.00 m.

Pasang Anak 2.32 m. Spring Rise 3.00 m.
Julat Perban 2.52 m. Spring Range 2.52 m.
Sela Air Pasang 10 j19 m Mean High Water 10 j19 m
Min Interval

4. Sisihan piawai : 4. Standard deviation :

Masa teramal ± 15.7 min. Predicted time ± 15.7 mins.
Ketinggian teramal ± 11.0 cm. Predicted height ± 11.0 cm.
The Location of Tidal Station in Peninsular Malaysia
The Locations of Tidal Stations at Sabah dan Sarawak (JUPEM)
The Location of Tidal Station in Peninsular Malaysia (TLDM)
The Locations of Tidal Stations at Sabah dan Sarawak (TLDM)
 Tide
Haouse
Tide Gauge

Pulley

Top of Wharf

Float
Wire
Station of Tide M.S.L

Float
Chain For Cleaning
Enclosed in Steel Pipe

D.L

2 nos. 25 mm Ǿ inlet
holes
700 mm Ǿ x 20 mm thick
Steel Pipe Tide Well

Sea Bed
 Sprocket roller
Recording pen Paper feeding
Guide roller spool reduction gears
Scale
Lock nut

Float pulley
Counter weight
pulley

Pen-drive
pulley Eye bolt
Paper winding
spool
Steel tape
Tide Gauge
Blacklash removal Type LFT-IV
weight (small)

Counter weight (large)

Float
 Tide
house
Tide 5.69m
Gauge Base Point
Counter
Weight
4.49m
Top of
Tide Well Jetty
0.58m
3.91m
EHW (Prediction 3.14m)

The Method of Determination of Prediction Graph

1.432
m
Water Level Value MSL
1.478m
2.478m

DL 1.0m
ELW 0.95m (-
1.0m 0.04m)

Zero of Tide Gauge 0.00m

Inlet Hole

±2.0m
Established Value Zero of Tide
Gauge to Base Point = 5.69
(5.70m)

Sea
Bed
Tide pole construction
 BM
TBM
Tide Pole

Transferring Reduced Level from BM to on top of tide pole

a
Bench Mark Δh (DGPS)

f
b
e

d=Measured Depth
Charted Depth=c Chart Datum

Gps as a tide gauge

 RTK TIDE BASICS
Term Description Source

A Height of the RTK GPS RTK GPS

Antenna Above the
Ellipsoid Reference
H
RD Raw Depth from Echo Echo sounder
sounder Calibrated to the
Static Waterline
A D
H Height of the RTK GPS One-time
T Antenna Measured Above measurement
the Static Waterline
Chart Datum Tc Conventional Tide
RD SEP Correction
Ellipsoid
Reference Tk RTK Tide Correction
CS

SEP Separation Between the

Chart Datum and the
Ellipsoid Reference

CS Chart Sounding Automatic sensor,

Dynamic Draft Correction manual
D (=0 in static state) measurement or
RTK Tide ignored.
Water level

TBM

Top-Pipe
Height of
Sensor
Tide reading

Sensor tide gauge

Seabed

Installation of digital tide gauge