Marine Geospatial Data Including MH370 Search Bathymetry

Geoscience Australia's marine data web service contains bathymetry, backscatter, and marine sediment data. It includes 150m and optimal resolution bathymetry, plus 5m sidescan and synthetic aperture sonar data from the MH370 search in the Indian Ocean. The service, provided by the Australian Ocean Data Network, was last updated in April 2026.

Use Cases

• Analyze seafloor topography using bathymetry gridded data layers.
• Study sediment distribution patterns with marine sediment data products.
• Compare sonar resolution by examining 5m sidescan sonar versus synthetic aperture sonar data from the MH370 search.
• Assess data coverage and planning priorities using bathymetry collection priority areas.
• Model backscatter intensity from backscatter gridded data for seafloor characterization.

Strengths

• Includes data from large-scale international surveys, such as the MH370 search involving the governments of Australia, Malaysia, and China.
• Provides multiple data products including gridded bathymetry, backscatter, derived layers, and sediment data.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and complete column details are unknown.
• Data is delivered via a Web Feature Service (WFS), which may require specific geospatial tools for access and analysis.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, provided via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

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

Time Range

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Freshness

Service was updated on 2026-04-04.

Geography

Includes data from the Indian Ocean, specifically areas related to the MH370 search, and other Australian marine regions.