High-Resolution Seafloor Survey Data from MH370 Search Phase 2

Over 121,000 square kilometres of high-resolution bathymetric data was collected in the Southern Indian Ocean during the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau led the operation, with data acquisition by multiple vessels using multibeam and side-scan sonar between September 2014 and January 2017. This collation contains the raw and processed data received from third-party operators.

Use Cases

• Analyze multibeam sonar data to create detailed maps of seafloor topography for geological research.
• Process side-scan sonar imagery to identify underwater features or anomalies relevant to search operations.
• Integrate bathymetric survey data with other oceanographic datasets to model deep-water currents and sediment transport.
• Use the high-resolution geospatial data to train algorithms for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Strengths

• Covers a vast area of over 121,000 square kilometres.
• Provides high-resolution data in a previously unmapped region of the Southern Indian Ocean.
• Data was collected using specialized equipment like multibeam sonar and side-scan sonar over a 28-month period.

Limitations

• Specific column names, data formats, and row counts are not provided in the description.
• The dataset's primary focus is a specific search area, limiting generalizability to other oceanic regions.
• Data collection concluded in early 2017, which may not reflect current seafloor conditions.

Provenance

Source

Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Geoscience Australia, via the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Collection Method

Marine surveys conducted by vessels using towed and autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with multibeam and side-scan sonar.

Time Range

September 2014 to January 2017

Freshness

Data collection period ended in January 2017; metadata was last updated in April 2026.

Geography

Southern Indian Ocean, within the designated MH370 search area.