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Description
1582 individual surveys using multibeam echosounders, LiDAR, and other sources were compiled to create a 250-meter resolution digital bathymetry grid covering the Australian region. The dataset, based on the AusBathyTopo 250m 2023 grid, provides a three-dimensional picture of the seafloor from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to 60°S, representing decades of data collection and collaboration. It is produced by the Australian Ocean Data Network and was last updated in April 2026.
Use Cases
Modeling seafloor terrain for offshore infrastructure planning based on the 3D bathymetry data.
Supporting area-based environmental management and conservation based on regional-scale seabed context.
Conducting scientific research on continental shelf morphology based on the high-resolution compilation.
Enhancing public education materials with a seamless land-sea transition map based on satellite-derived coastline data.
Strengths
Compilation of 1582 individual surveys using diverse methods like multibeam echosounders and LiDAR.
Covers a vast area from 92°E to 172°E and 8°S to 60°S, including territories like Norfolk and Christmas Islands.
Represents a significant improvement since the 2009 revision, incorporating innovations like satellite data for coastline definition.
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.
Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
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.
Time Range
Based on data collection up to 2023, with a map revision representing an update since 2009.
Freshness
Last updated 2026-04-10 22:21:44.286642; freshness should be verified.
Geography
Covers the Australian region 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.
The map is not suitable for use as an aid to navigation or to replace products from the Australian Hydrographic Office. The primary file format is a digital PDF download.