Great Barrier Reef Surficial Facies Maps Using Entropy-Ratio Classification

Entropy-ratio maps from the Australian Ocean Data Network enable the mapping of surficial coral reef facies at a user-chosen resolution. The method uses a ternary classification based on detritus, framework encrustation, and pavement, subdivided by their degree of mixing. An example application is provided for the Great Barrier Reef.

Use Cases

• Classifying reef flat zonation based on the ternary facies classification described.
• Superimposing entropy-ratio classifications on other reef mapping systems as mentioned.
• Mapping surficial reef facies at variable resolutions using the entropy-ratio method.

Strengths

• Classification is described as sensitive to all reef environments, particularly zonation.
• Method can be applied at any chosen resolution and superimposed on other classifications.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Primary data formats are PDF and HTML, which may require extraction for computational analysis.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Application of entropy-ratio mapping methodology to satellite or aerial imagery.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-10 18:36:05.822082; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Great Barrier Reef