Jervis Bay Reef Polygons were digitised from the Multibeam bathymetry datasets of Jervis Bay. Reef areas were defined as seabed hard substrate that are often raised from the surroundings flat sedimentary seabed. They were identified and mapped relatively easily on hillshaded bathymetry layers.

This resource includes bathymetry data acquired during the Shellharbour Tharawal marine survey collected by the NSW government (Department of Planning and Environment – DPE) during the period 25 May – 30 November 2017 onboard the RV Bombora using DPE’s R2Sonic 2022 multibeam sonar. The Shellharbour bathymetry survey was led by Dr. Bradley Morris (DPE Coasts and Marine) as part of SeabedNSW program funded by NSW Coastal Reforms package. The purpose of the project was to 1) provide a baseline dataset and 2) map the spatial distribution of seabed types. The data will provide a better understanding of nearshore sediment distribution/transport mechanisms for improved assessment of threats/risks associated with erosion events (i.e. East Coast Lows) and changing sea levels. This dataset contains a 32-bit floating point geotiff file of backscatter (5m gridded) for the study area, derived from the processed R2Sonic 2022 multibeam data, using Hypack, R2Sonic GUI, POSView, POSPac, Qimera and FMGT software. A detailed report on the survey is provided in: i) AusSeabed Survey Report and ii) NSW DPE Scientific Rigor Statement NSWENV_20171130_Shellharbour_MB_ScientificRigour.pdf. This dataset is not to be used for navigational purposes. This dataset is published with the permission of the Senior Team Leader and the department’s Hydrosurveyor, Coasts and Marine Science, NSW Dept. Planning and Environment.

The GMRT-AusSeabed project aims to address the cost associated with processing, merging and reformatting of bathymetric data in marine modelling and management by enabling users to more easily create bathymetric maps. The project leverages two major existing initiatives, the AusSeabed Data Hub operated by AusSeabed and the Global Multi-Resolution Topography Synthesis (GMRT) operated by Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) and funded by the US National Science Foundation. GMRT-AusSeabed is seeking to deliver two core services that are relevant to this particular document: 1. Definition of an attributed point cloud for bathymetric data that is common across a wide range of bathymetric sensor platforms (multibeam echosounder, LiDAR, satellite, etc) 2. Develop additional user controls, primarily relating to data selection, that leverage the attributed point cloud for the creation of bathymetric maps. Within the bounds of the GMRT-AusSeabed project, this document provides: 1. A summary of the key points discussed within the first workshop, “Point Cloud Attribution”, 2. A detailed list of the attributes that are to be carried forward through the work program. 3. A list of influences external to the workshop that have contributed to the list. Workshop participants included representatives from Geoscience Australia, Deakin University, CSIRO, Guardian Geomatics and Land and Information New Zealand. See <a href="https://www.ausseabed.gov.au/gmrt">https://www.ausseabed.gov.au/gmrt</a> for more information.

The GMRT-AusSeabed project aims to address the cost associated with processing, merging and reformatting of bathymetric data in marine modelling and management by enabling users to more easily create bathymetric maps. The project leverages two major existing initiatives, the AusSeabed Data Hub operated by AusSeabed and the Global Multi-Resolution Topography Synthesis (GMRT) operated by Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) and funded by the US National Science Foundation. GMRT-AusSeabed is seeking to deliver two core services that are relevant to this particular document: 1. Definition of an attributed point cloud for bathymetric data that is common across a wide range of bathymetric sensor platforms (multibeam echosounder, LiDAR, satellite, etc) 2. Develop additional user controls, primarily relating to data selection, that leverage the attributed point cloud for the creation of bathymetric maps. Within the bounds of the GMRT-AusSeabed project, this document provides: 1. A summary of the key points discussed within the second workshop, “Backend Storage”, 2. An overview of the toolkits being explored by the project for delivery of various capabilities 3. Outcomes and actions that are being moved forward with in the project. Workshop participants included representatives from Geoscience Australia, Australian Antarctic Division, University of Western Australia, and Guardian Geomatics. See <a href="https://www.ausseabed.gov.au/gmrt">https://www.ausseabed.gov.au/gmrt</a> for more information.

This resource includes seabed backscatter data for South-west Corner Marine Park collected by Geoscience Australia during the periods 9 – 12 March 2020 and 27 January – 16 February 2021 on the charter vessel Santosha. The survey was undertaken as a collaborative project with the University of Western Australia, the University of Tasmania and the Australian Centre for Field Robotics (University of Sydney) and funded through the National Environmental Science Program Marine Biodiversity Hub, with co-investment by all partners and the Director of National Parks. The purpose of the project was to build baseline information for benthic habitats on the continental shelf in the marine park that will support ongoing environmental monitoring within the South-west Marine Park Network as part of the 10-year management plan (2018-2028). Data acquisition for the project included multibeam bathymetry and backscatter for an area covering 330 km^2 offshore from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin coast, with underwater imagery of benthic communities and demersal fish collected by University of Western Australia on separate field deployments. This backscatter dataset contains a 4 m resolution 32-bit geotiff file of the survey area produced from the processed Kongsberg EM2040C multibeam sonar system data using the CMST-GA MB Process v15.04.04.0 (.64) toolbox software co-developed by the Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Curtin University and Geoscience Australia. For further information see: Giraldo-Ospina, A. et al., 2021. South-west Corner Marine Park Post Survey Report. Report to the National Environmental Science Program, Marine Biodiversity Hub.

This resource includes backscatter data for Arafura Marine Park (Arafura Sea) collected by Geoscience Australia (GA) and the Australian Institute of Marine Science during the period 2 – 15 November 2020 on the RV Solander. The survey was undertaken as a collaborative project funded through the National Environmental Science Program Marine Biodiversity Hub, with co-investment by GA and AIMS. The purpose of the project was to build baseline information for benthic habitats in Arafura Marine Park that will support ongoing environmental monitoring within the North Marine Park Network as part of the 10-year management plan (2018-2028). Data acquisition for the project included multibeam bathymetry and backscatter for two areas (Money Shoal and Pillar Bank), seabed samples and underwater imagery of benthic communities and demersal fish. This backscatter dataset contains two 32-bit geotiff files of the backscatter mosaic for two survey areas produced from the processed EM2040C Dual Head system using the CMST-GA MB Process v15.04.04.0 (x64) toolbox software co-developed by the Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Curtin University and Geoscience Australia. A detailed report on the survey is provided in: Picard, K. Stowar, M., Roberts, N., Siwabessy, J., Abdul Wahab, M.A., Galaiduk, R., Miller, K., Nichol, S. 2021. Arafura Marine Park Post Survey Report. Report to the National Environmental Science Program, Marine Biodiversity Hub (https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/node/4505).

The Vanderford Glacier bathymetry survey was acquired by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) during the maiden Antarctic voyage of the RSV Nuyina from 23 December 2021 – 30 January 2022. The survey area encompasses Vincennes Bay (offshore Vanderford Glacier), and offshore Casey Station and Davis Station and was completed as a combination of commissioning trials, ice trials and a resupply voyage. Bathymetry data was acquired using a Kongsberg EM 712 and EM 122 and processed using QPS Qimera and Caris HIPS and SIPS. The dataset was then exported to GeoTIFF using CARIS HIPS and SIPS software. This dataset contains nine 5m-, 10m-, 16m-, 20m-, 64m-, 128m-resolution 32-bit floating point GeoTIFF files. This dataset is not to be used for navigational purposes.

The Solitary Islands Gumbaynggirr Yaegl MP bathymetry survey was acquired by the NSW government (Department of Planning and Environment – DPE) onboard the RV Bombora during the period 31 Aug 2022 – 31 Jul 2023, using DPE’s R2Sonic 2022 multibeam sonar. The survey was completed as part of the SeabedNSW program funded by NSW government through Coastal Reforms (>2015), HabMap Program funded through Marine Parks Authority (now under Marine Estate Management Authority) or through collaborations with partner agencies or institutions. The purpose of the project was to 1) provide a baseline dataset and 2) map the spatial distribution of seabed types. This dataset contains 32-bit floating point geotiff files of bathymetry and backscatter in 5m resolution for the study area, derived from the processed Hypack, R2Sonic GUI, POSView, POSPac, Qimera and FMGT software. General details on vessel setup, mobilisation and processing are provided at https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Research/Our-science-and-research/seabed-nsw-standard-operating-procedures-multibeam-surveying-190101.pdf with survey specific details in the Survey Report and DPIE Rigor Statement (can be provided upon request). This dataset is not to be used for navigational purposes.

This resource includes bathymetry data for Elizabeth and Middleton Reef within Lord Howe Marine Park collected by Geoscience Australia during the period 31 January to 6 February 2020 on the Australian Maritime College vessel, TV Bluefin. The survey was undertaken as a collaborative project funded through the National Environmental Science Program Marine Biodiversity Hub, with the Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies (University of Tasmania), NSW Department of Primary Industries, University of Sydney (Centre for Field Robotics) and Parks Australia. The purpose of the survey was to collect baseline information for benthic habitats within the National Park Zone (Middleton Reef) and Recreational Use Zone (Elizabeth Reef) of the marine park. These data will support ongoing environmental monitoring within the Temperate East Marine Park Network as part of the 10-year management plan (2018-2028). Data acquisition for the project included seabed mapping using multibeam sonar (Kongsberg EM 2040C HD, 300 kHz), seabed imagery acquisition by Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV Sirius), sediment samples (grab) and imagery of demersal fish communities by baited remote underwater video (BRUV). This dataset comprises two bathymetry grids derived from multibeam sonar data gridded at 5 m spatial resolution, covering a combined area of 312 km2 including the transit. A detailed report on the survey is provided in: Carroll, A et al. 2020. Australian Marine Park Baseline and Monitoring Survey: Post Survey Report, Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs, Lord Howe Marine Park. Report to the National Environmental Science Program, Marine Biodiversity Hub. This dataset is not to be used for navigational purposes. This dataset is published with the permission of the CEO, Geoscience Australia

A high-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) dataset covering over 279,000 km2 was acquired in the southeastern Indian Ocean to assist the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370) that disappeared on 8 March 2014. The data provided an essential geospatial framework for the search and is the first large-scale coverage of MBES data in this region. Here we report on geomorphic analyses of the new MBES data, including a comparison with the Global Seafloor Geomorphic Features Map (GSFM) that is based on coarser resolution satellite altimetry data, and the insights the new data provide into geological processes that have formed and are currently shaping this remote deepsea area. Our comparison between the new MBES bathymetric model and the latest global topographic/bathymetric model (SRTM15_plus) reveals that 62% of the satellite-derived data points for the study area are comparable with MBES measurements within the estimated vertical uncertainty of the SRTM15_plus model (± 100 m). However, > 38% of the SRTM15_plus depth estimates disagree with the MBES data by > 100 m, in places by up to 1900 m. The new MBES data show that abyssal plains and basins in the study area are significantly more rugged than their representation in the GSFM, with a 20% increase in the extent of hills and mountains. The new model also reveals four times more seamounts than presented in the GSFM, suggesting more of these features than previously estimated for the broader region. This is important considering the ecological significance of high-relief structures on the seabed, such as hosting high levels of biodiversity. Analyses of the new data also enabled sea knolls, fans, valleys, canyons, troughs, and holes to be identified, doubling the number of discrete features mapped. Importantly, mapping the study area using MBES data improves our understanding of the geological evolution of the region and reveals a range of modern sedimentary processes. For example, a large series of ridges extending over approximately 20% of the mapped area, in places capped by sea knolls, highlight the preserved seafloor spreading fabric and provide valuable insights into Southeast Indian Ridge seafloor spreading processes, especially volcanism. Rifting is also recorded along the Broken Ridge – Diamantina Escarpment, with rift blocks and well-bedded sedimentary bedrock outcrops discernible down to 2400 m water depth. Modern ocean floor sedimentary processes are documented by sediment mass transport features, especially along the northern margin of Broken Ridge, and in pockmarks (the finest-scale features mapped), which are numerous south of Diamantina Trench and appear to record gas and/or fluid discharge from underlying marine sediments. The new MBES data highlight the complexity of the search area and serve to demonstrate how little we know about the vast areas of the ocean that have not been mapped with MBES. The availability of high-resolution and accurate maps of the ocean floor can clearly provide new insights into the Earth's geological evolution, modern ocean floor processes, and the location of sites that are likely to have relatively high biodiversity. <b>Citation:</b> Kim Picard, Brendan P. Brooke, Peter T. Harris, Paulus J.W. Siwabessy, Millard F. Coffin, Maggie Tran, Michele Spinoccia, Jonathan Weales, Miles Macmillan-Lawler, Jonah Sullivan, Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 search data reveal geomorphology and seafloor processes in the remote southeast Indian Ocean, <i>Marine Geology</i>, Volume 395, 2018, Pages 301-319, ISSN 0025-3227, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2017.10.014.