Map marine environments

Produce the marine environment map layers and hand them to the GIS lead by Thursday. Compile bathymetry, substrate classification, and habitat polygons into one workbook, ensure layer labels and color keys match the mapping standard, then send the file to Janelle and CC Marcus with confirmation that layers are complete.

Before I hand these layers to the cartographer, make the map easy to use: surface the coordinate reference and datum on the first sheet, make bathymetry color ramp and depth breakpoints findable, and flag any polygon with area under 100 square meters that would make a reviewer hesitate about inclusion.

When I merged the bathymetry tiles a sharp depth gap appears along the reef boundary. The field log reports normal coverage, but the sensor team mentions a merge tolerance change last week. I can't tell if this is a tiling error, a datum mismatch, or real topography. What diagnostic steps should I run to determine the cause and the safest immediate note to leave for the cartographer?

Across projects we waste time reworking map layers due to inconsistent coordinate datums and dozens of tiny polygons that a cartographer later removes. What standardization habit and pre-submission checklist should the mapping team adopt so final map assembly needs minimal fixes?