Raw data acquired by position sensors on board RV MERIAN during expedition MSM-X16 were processed to receive a validated master track which can be used as reference of further expedition data. During MSMX-16 the motion reference unit Kongsberg SeaTex AS MRU-5 combined with Kongsberg SeaTex AS Seapath 320 and the GPS receivers Trimble SPS855 and SAAB R4 were used as navigation sensors. Data were downloaded from DAVIS SHIP data base (https://dship.bsh.de) with a resolution of 1 sec. Processing and evaluation of the data is outlined in the data processing report. Processed data are provided as a master track with 1 sec resolution derived from the position sensors' data selected by priority and a generalized track with a reduced set of the most significant positions of the master track.

This transit cruise was conducted without a designated chief scientist or scientist on board. However, "Underway" Research Data were recorded along the cruise track. The "Underway" Research Data project is coordinated by the German Marine Research Alliance (Deutsche Allianz Meeresforschung, DAM), and therefore, the project coordinator, Gauvain Wiemer, has been assigned as the author for this master track.