Multibeam Sonar Backscatter Survey of Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, 2020

Two bathymetry grids at 4-meter spatial resolution derived from a multibeam sonar survey conducted from January 31 to February 6, 2020. The data was collected by Geoscience Australia aboard the TV Bluefin to establish baseline information for benthic habitats within the Lord Howe Marine Park. This survey was a collaborative project funded by the National Environmental Science Program Marine Biodiversity Hub.

Use Cases

• Map seafloor bathymetry based on multibeam sonar data gridded at 4-meter resolution
• Establish baseline habitat maps for environmental monitoring based on the survey's stated purpose
• Support marine park management planning based on the 10-year management plan (2018-2028) mentioned in the description

Strengths

• High-resolution bathymetry grids at 4-meter spatial resolution
• Data collected during a dedicated survey from January 31 to February 6, 2020
• Survey involved multiple institutions including Geoscience Australia, University of Tasmania, and Parks Australia

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Data is not to be used for navigational purposes, limiting its application scope

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, via the Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Multibeam sonar (Kongsberg EM 2040C HD, 300 kHz) survey from the vessel TV Bluefin

Time Range

January 31 to February 6, 2020

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-04 05:50:50.849908; freshness should be verified

Geography

Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef within the Lord Howe Marine Park, Australia