Bathymetric maps can help scientists determine where fish and other marine life feed, live, and breed. Bathymetric data is also used to create maps of coral habitats to assist in conservation and monitoring.

Why is it important to map the sea floor?

High-resolution seafloor mapping is a critical tool for regulating underwater resource exploration, extraction, and equipment, allowing us to decide what and where is safe. Seafloor maps also ensure that ships are able to safely maneuver around natural – and human-made – structures on the ocean bottom.

What does the bathymetric map reveal about the ocean floor?

Topographic maps show elevation of landforms above sea level. Bathymetric maps show depths of landforms below sea level. The topographic elevations and the bathymetric depths are shown with contour lines.