Marine Geospatial Data from MH370 Search and Australian Waters

Geoscience Australia's marine data web service contains bathymetry, backscatter, and marine sediment grids. It includes 150 m and optimal resolution bathymetry, plus 5 m sidescan and synthetic aperture sonar data from international MH370 search surveys in the Indian Ocean. The service compiles multibeam sonar datasets for exploring seafloor topography.

Use Cases

• Analyze bathymetry and backscatter gridded data to model seafloor geomorphology and sediment distribution.
• Compare 5 m sidescan sonar (SSS) and synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) data from MH370 search areas to identify seabed features.
• Use bathymetry coverage information and collection priority layers for marine survey planning.
• Integrate marine sediment data with bathymetry for geological and habitat mapping studies.

Strengths

• Includes high-resolution 5 m sidescan and synthetic aperture sonar data from targeted surveys.
• Contains data from international MH370 search operations involving Australia, Malaysia, and China.
• Provides derived layers like bathymetry coverage information and planning areas.

Limitations

• Data is served via a WCS web service, requiring specific geospatial tools for access and analysis.
• Sample data and precise spatial/temporal extents for all layers are not provided in the description.
• The 'notspecified' license may require users to investigate usage terms before application.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data.

Collection Method

Compilation of multibeam sonar and other marine datasets acquired by government surveys.

Time Range

Includes data from Phase 1 and 2 MH370 search surveys; specific overall temporal range is null.

Freshness

Last updated March 7, III.

Geography

Focus on Australian marine areas and the Indian Ocean region surveyed for MH370.