Corps Shoaling Analysis Tool (CSAT), version 2.7.0

Updated 22 October 2026

The CSAT calculates channel shoaling volumes using historical channel surveys and uses the shoaling rates to predict future dredging volumes. Shoaling rate grids can be used to identify hot spots or areas of increased sedimentation. The volume tables that quantify the amount of sediment needing to be dredged at depth and time increments also support decision making that will maximize the use of dredging funds and minimize disruption to vessel traffic through the navigation channels.

CSAT 1.0.x was run using a Matlab executable file and requires survey upload through eHydro for the channel. CSAT 2.x migrated from Matlab to using Python instead and works within the Anaconda/Miniconda* environment. *Miniconda uses a much smaller installation package and is not as full-featured as Anaconda.

CSAT is being developed jointly by CIRP and the Asset Management (AM) program.

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Recent Changes:
Python update: Changed Python version to Python 3.13. Previous users MUST run Setup_CSAT.bat again after downloading this version. Run_CSAT.bat points to a new environment for Python 3.13. Bug fix: Fixed NetCDF DLL error.

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Installation Instructions: Note - this product requires Administrator privileges for installation

1) Check for existing Anaconda/Python3 installation - From the start menu, look for the "Anaconda3" folder and open an Anaconda prompt. Enter the command "conda --version" (without quotes). - If no Anaconda version is reported, proceed to step 2, otherwise go to Step 3. 2) Users without Anaconda should install it: - ACEIT Users - Search for 'ESRI ArcGIS Pro 3.6' and Install from the App Portal - All Other Users - https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual#Downloads 3) After Install, download CSAT program zip file from here 4) Move the files to a designated CSAT folder and extract files from .zip. Follow remaining instructions from the file "CSAT_py_directions.docx". Input and Output files are available for download here: https://cirp.usace.army.mil/products/csat_districts.php

Publications and Websites:
FY25 Technical Report	CSAT User Guide (published April 2025)
FY25 Technical Note	Cloud-Based Workflow to Process Regional Topobathymetric Lidar Datasets for Integrated USACE Shoaling Analyses
FY24 Conference Paper	Improving the Accuracy of Navigation Channel Maintenance Forecasts Using Dredge Location Data
FY24 Storyboard	Corps Shoaling Analysis Tool Storyboard
FY19 Technical Report	Corps Shoaling Analysis Tool: Predicting Channel Shoaling
FY18 Conference Paper	Improved Channel Evaluation Using Automatic Identification System and Hydrographic Survey Data
FY17 Technical Note	Identification of Alternatives to Reduce Shoaling in the Lower Matagorda Ship Channel, Texas
FY15 Conference Paper	Quantitative Approach to Navigation Channels Asset Management
Website	DOTS Chiefs Reports (for reviewing historical dredging data)

Portal:
ArcGIS web viewer

Videos:
Tutorial 1 - Download, Installation, and Initial Use.

Other Information:
Fact Sheet can be downloaded from here.
Web mapping application to view the CSAT generated shoaling rate grids for the USACE coastal channels can be accessed here.

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