Christmas Island Marine Park Bathymetry and Seafloor Habitat Map

Satellite-derived bathymetry and seafloor habitat classification data for the Christmas Island Marine Park. The dataset provides 2-meter horizontal resolution mapping of shallow waters from 0 to 25 meters depth, processed by EOMAP using proprietary software. It was published by the Australian Ocean Data Network and last updated in 2026.

Use Cases

• Modeling light attenuation and water clarity using the physics-based inversion of the radiative transfer equation.
• Classifying major seafloor habitat types by analyzing spectral characteristics, shape, and texture from multispectral reflectance data.
• Establishing environmental baselines for long-term monitoring by comparing georeferenced bathymetry layers over time.
• Assessing climate change impacts on shallow coastal zones by analyzing changes in bathymetry and habitat distribution.

Strengths

• 2-meter horizontal spatial resolution provides detailed coastal mapping.
• Covers shallow waters from 0 to 25 meters depth, a critical zone for marine ecology.
• Data processed using a proprietary physics-based inversion method (Watcor-X) for standardized reflectance.

Limitations

• Spatial coverage is limited to the Christmas Island Marine Park area.
• Bathymetric data is restricted to a maximum depth of approximately 25 meters.
• Dataset is explicitly not to be used for navigational purposes, limiting its application scope.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, originating from a Parks Australia - Indian Ocean Territories Grants Project.

Collection Method

Satellite-derived bathymetry processed from multispectral satellite data using EOMAP's Watcor-X software and algorithm package.

Time Range

Primary data acquisition date is March 29, 2022.

Freshness

Data acquisition occurred in March 2022, with a platform record update in 2026.

Geography

Christmas Island Marine Park in the Indian Ocean.