Bathymetry

Bathymetry is the science of measuring the depth of water bodies and mapping the topography of underwater surfaces. Analogous to topographic mapping on land, bathymetric surveys produce detailed models of the seafloor, lake beds, and river channels that are essential for safe navigation, marine resource management, coastal engineering, and oceanographic research. Measurement techniquesMultibeam echo sounders are the primary tool for detailed bathymetric mapping, emitting fan-shaped arrays of sound pulses that measure depth across wide swaths beneath a survey vessel. Single-beam sonar provides depth measurements along a narrow track. Airborne LiDARLiDARLight Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that measures distances using laser pulses to crea... bathymetry uses green-wavelength laser pulses that penetrate shallow water to map coastal and nearshore areas. Satellite-derived bathymetry estimates shallow-water depths from multispectral imagery using water transparency and bottom reflectance. ApplicationsBathymetric data supports nautical chart production for safe vessel navigation, port and harbor dredging planning, submarine cable and pipeline routingPipeline RoutingPipeline Routing uses GIS-based multi-criteria analysis to determine the optimal path for new pipelines, balancing co..., offshore wind farm siting, tsunami and storm surge modeling, and marine habitat mapping for conservation. Bathymetry provides the foundational depth data needed to understand and manage aquatic environments. As autonomous survey vessels and satellite-derived techniques expand coverage, bathymetric mapping is becoming more comprehensive and accessible, supporting sustainable ocean management and coastal resilience.