Australia Seabed Bathymetry Map 2023 at 250-Meter Resolution

Geoscience Australia's 2023 seabed map provides a 3D picture of the seafloor across a vast area from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to 60°S. The map is based on the AusBathyTopo 250m grid, compiled from 1582 individual surveys using multibeam echosounders, LiDAR, and other sources. It represents a significant improvement over the 2009 revision, incorporating satellite data for coastline definition.

Use Cases

• Analyze bathymetry and topography data for offshore industry site selection and planning.
• Model seafloor depth variations across the 250-meter resolution grid for regional environmental management.
• Integrate satellite-derived bathymetry and coastline data for coastal transition zone research.
• Use the compiled survey data from multibeam echosounders and LiDAR for geological and oceanographic studies.

Strengths

• Compiled from 1582 individual surveys using diverse methods like multibeam echosounders and LiDAR.
• Covers a vast spatial area from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to —60°S, including multiple territories.
• Represents decades of data collection and collaboration, with significant improvements since the 2009 revision.

Limitations

• The 250-meter grid resolution is only supported where direct bathymetric observations are sufficiently dense.
• The map is not suitable for navigation and does not replace products from the Australian Hydrographic Office.
• Available primary format is a PDF, limiting direct geospatial analysis without data extraction.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Data collection spans decades, with a 2023 revision.

Freshness

2026-03-07

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.