Australia's Seabed Map 2023: Bathymetry Grid Covering 92°E to 172°E

The 2023 revision of Australia's Seabed Map provides a three-dimensional picture of the seafloor across a vast area from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to 60°S. It is compiled from 1582 individual surveys using multibeam echosounders, LiDAR, and satellite-derived bathymetry, representing decades of data collection and collaboration. The map is produced by the Australian Ocean Data Network and is based on the AusBathyTopo 250m grid.

Use Cases

• Modeling seafloor topography for offshore infrastructure planning based on the 250m resolution bathymetry grid.
• Supporting area-based environmental management and habitat mapping based on the seamless land-sea transition data.
• Providing regional-scale context for scientific research based on the compilation of 1582 surveys.
• Enhancing public education and outreach with a complete three-dimensional picture of Australia's seabed.

Strengths

• Compiled from 1582 individual surveys using multiple technologies like multibeam echosounders and LiDAR.
• Provides a seamless transition between land and sea by incorporating satellite-derived bathymetry from Digital Earth Australia.
• Covers a vast geographic area from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to 60°S, including Australian territories.

Limitations

• The 250m resolution is only supported where direct bathymetric observations are sufficiently dense; in many regions, the grid size exceeds the optimal resolution of the input data.
• The map is not suitable for use as an aid to navigation or to replace products from the Australian Hydrographic Office.
• Australia's marine jurisdiction offshore from Heard and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory are not included.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Compilation from 1582 individual surveys using multibeam echosounders, single-beam echosounders, LiDAR, 3D seismic first returns, Electronic Navigation Charts, and satellite-derived bathymetry.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-05 01:54:16.405374; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Area from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to 60°S, including areas adjacent to the Australian continent, Tasmania, Macquarie Island, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.