bathymetry, hydrography, marine geodesy, ..
It is salutary to note that, whereas high resolution topographic maps have
already been produced for the moon, Mars and Venus, the mapping of the
world's oceans will continue well into the foreseeable future. There is a
growing need for improved global bathymetry, particularly amongst modellers
studying the role of the oceans in the climate system and sea floor
bathymetry has been recognized as an essential component
e.g.
for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).
Almost up to World War II, all soundings in the deep ocean were discrete
wire soundings, and only with the advent of the echo-sounder in the 1940s
did sufficient data start becoming available for the compilation of
meaningful bathymetric charts. However, even to the present day, the
sounding coverage of the world's oceans is very patchy and often
concentrated on isolated tracklines with large gaps in between. Very few
areas of the deep ocean have been systematically surveyed and a proper
scientific understanding of the processes involved in shaping the seafloor
is required in order to interpolate the bathymetry between sounding lines.
Hydrography is the science
of measuring and depicting those parameters necessary to describe the precise
nature and configuration of seas, rivers, and other bodies of water, their
geographical relationship to the landmass, and their characteristics and
dynamics. These parameters include bathymetry, tides, currents, waves, physical
properties of water, geology and geophysics.
The primary use of the data
collected is to compile marine charts and other graphic documents to facilitate
and ensure safety of navigation for mariners in all the seas of the world,
and for use by others concerned with the marine environment such as ocean
engineers, oceanographers, marine biologists and environmental scientists.
Among the most important applications of hydrographic knowledge is its use
in the planning of exploration and exploitation of marine resources, the
determination of seaward limits of national jurisdiction, and the delimitation
of maritime boundaries.
Nautical charts and bathymetric maps will add to the understanding of our planet,
they will contribute to illustrate the unique situation of planet Earth, and
they will enable us to conserve and take care of the rich and limited ressources.
Data in digital form, e.g. the GEBCO Digital Atlas (