Solitary Islands Marine Park Bathymetry and Backscatter Survey, 2022-2023

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment acquired bathymetry and backscatter data for the Solitary Islands Gumbaynggirr Yaegl Marine Park between 31 August 2022 and 31 July 2023. This dataset contains 5-meter resolution 32-bit floating point geotiff files derived from multibeam sonar surveys conducted onboard the RV Bombora. The data was processed as part of the SeabedNSW program to provide a baseline and map seabed types.

Use Cases

• Create high-resolution seabed terrain models based on the 5m bathymetry data.
• Classify seabed substrate types based on the backscatter intensity data.
• Establish baseline environmental conditions for marine park management based on the survey's stated purpose.
• Analyze spatial distribution of seabed features for habitat mapping as described in the project goals.

Strengths

• Data was acquired using a specific multibeam sonar system (R2Sonic 2022) over a defined period.
• Provides both bathymetry (depth) and backscatter (seabed hardness/roughness) data layers.
• Standard operating procedures and a survey report are referenced, suggesting methodological documentation.
• Data has a specified spatial resolution of 5 meters.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and total file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The dataset carries a specific use restriction: it is not to be used for navigational purposes.

Provenance

Source

NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Multibeam sonar survey from the RV Bombora, processed with Hypack, Qimera, and FMGT software.

Time Range

31 Aug 2022 – 31 Jul 2023

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-04 09:03:34.038951; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Solitary Islands Gumbaynggirr Yaegl Marine Park, New South Wales, Australia