Australian Seabed Bathymetry Map 2023 Edition

Australia's Seabed Map 2023 provides a 250-meter resolution 3D model of the seafloor across the Australian region. The Australian Ocean Data Network compiled this map from 1582 individual surveys using multibeam echosounders, LiDAR, and satellite data. It represents a significant update over the previous 2009 version.

Use Cases

• Modeling seafloor topography and slope using the 250m resolution bathymetry grid for geological studies.
• Analyzing coastline definition and land-sea transition features derived from satellite earth observation data.
• Regional environmental planning by integrating the bathymetric grid with higher-resolution regional datasets.
• Studying seabed features across a vast longitudinal (92°E to 172°E) and latitudinal (8°S to 60°S) extent.

Strengths

• Compiled from 1582 individual surveys using multiple technologies.
• Covers a vast longitudinal range from 92°E to 172°E.
• Represents a significant update over the 2009 version, incorporating decades of data collection.

Limitations

• The 250m resolution is only supported where direct bathymetric observations are sufficiently dense.
• Excludes Australia's marine jurisdiction offshore from Heard and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory.
• The map is delivered as a PDF, limiting direct computational analysis of the underlying grid data.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, based on the AusBathyTopo 250m 2023 grid.

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Surveys span decades, with a major revision in 2023.

Freshness

Data represents a 2023 compilation, with metadata last updated in April 2026.

Geography

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