Australian Topography and Bathymetry Grid at 0.0025-Degree Resolution

Geoscience Australia compiled this 2009 bathymetry and topography grid, integrating multibeam, single beam, and satellite-derived data. The service provides detailed elevation models for Australia's landmass and its adjoining Exclusive Economic Zone. It excludes data from offshore territories like Heard and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory.

Use Cases

• Modeling seabed terrain using the 0.0025-degree resolution bathymetry grid where direct observations exist.
• Analyzing coastal geomorphology by integrating the onshore topography grid with offshore bathymetric data.
• Creating regional elevation models by combining the compiled multibeam and single beam data with satellite-derived ETOPO data for areas lacking soundings.
• Studying the Australian continental shelf using the high-resolution grid derived from digitised chart and swath bathymetry data.

Strengths

• Integrates data from multiple authoritative sources including Geoscience Australia's own grids and ETOPO global models.
• Provides a high 0.0025-degree resolution grid where direct bathymetric observations are sufficiently dense.

Limitations

• Data is from 2009, making it temporally stale for applications requiring recent seabed changes.
• Resolution is variable, relying on lower-resolution (1-2 arc minute) satellite-derived data in areas off the continental shelf.
• Spatial coverage excludes Australia's marine jurisdiction offshore from Heard and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Compiled from multibeam and single beam surveys, digitised charts, and satellite-derived ETOPO data.

Time Range

Bathymetry data compiled in 2009; source topography grids from 2008.

Freshness

The underlying bathymetry and topography compilation is from 2009, though the web service was last updated in 2026.

Geography

Australia's landmass and adjoining Exclusive Economic Zone.