DEFRA MCZ North Celtic Deep: Multibeam Bathymetry Survey, February 2013

A February 2013 multibeam survey collected full-coverage bathymetry and backscatter data in the Western Channel and Celtic Sea. The data, processed to IHO Order 1a standards with WGS84 coordinates and Chart Datum depth corrections, was delivered to Cefas and archived with MEDIN Data Archive Centres. The survey was conducted for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Marine Conservation Zone program.

Use Cases

• Generate high-resolution seafloor terrain models based on the full-coverage bathymetry data.
• Analyze seabed composition and texture based on the collected backscatter data.
• Support marine spatial planning and conservation zone designation based on the detailed geophysical survey.
• Conduct geological and habitat mapping based on the georeferenced mosaics and GeoTiff images.

Strengths

• Data collected to International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Order 1a standard, indicating a high positional and depth accuracy.
• Full coverage survey with crosslines run at approximately 20 times the spacing of main lines, suggesting thorough quality control.
• Includes both raw and processed data, along with georeferenced mosaics and GeoTiff images.

Limitations

• Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the specific survey location and period in February 2013.

Provenance

Source

British Geological Survey (BGS)

Collection Method

Full coverage multibeam survey using Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS).

Time Range

01/02/2013 to 27/02/2013

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-26 08:07:16.584349; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Western Channel and Celtic Sea, North Celtic Deep (UK waters)