Australia's Seabed Map 2023: 250m Resolution Bathymetry Grid

The 2023 revision of Australia's Seabed Map provides a complete three-dimensional picture of the seafloor, representing a significant improvement since 2009. It is compiled from 1582 individual surveys using multibeam echosounders, LiDAR, and other sources, and extends from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to 60°S. The map is produced by the Australian Ocean Data Network and is based on the AusBathyTopo 250m grid.

Use Cases

• Planning offshore infrastructure projects based on detailed seafloor topography.
• Conducting area-based environmental management and conservation planning using the bathymetric grid.
• Supporting scientific research on marine geology and oceanography with a continental-scale compilation.
• Enhancing public education materials with a seamless land-sea transition map.

Strengths

• Compiled from 1582 individual surveys, representing decades of data collection and collaboration.
• Provides a significant improvement over the previous 2009 revision, incorporating satellite data for coastline definition.
• Covers a vast area from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to 60°S, including multiple Australian territories.

Limitations

• The 250m resolution is only supported where direct bathymetric observations are sufficiently dense; in many regions, this grid size exceeds the optimal resolution of the input data.
• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality and structure require manual inspection after download.
• The map is not suitable for use as an aid to navigation and does not replace products from the Australian Hydrographic Office.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

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

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-23 03:48:30.413798; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Extends 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.