High-resolution depth model for the Great Barrier Reef - 30 m

Brief description

This dataset contains bathymetry (depth) products from the compilation of all available source bathymetry data within the Great Barrier Reef into a 30 m-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the largest coral reef ecosystem on Earth and stretches over 2500 km along the north-eastern Australia margin. Bathymetry mapping of this extensive reef system is vital for the protection of the GBR allowing for the safe navigation of shipping and improved environmental management. Over the past ten years, deep-water multibeam surveys have revealed the highly complex shelf-edge drowned reefs and continental slope canyons. Airborne LiDAR bathymetry acquired by the Australian Hydrographic Service cover most of the GBR reefs, with coverage gaps supplemented by satellite derived bathymetry. The Geoscience Australia-developed Intertidal Elevation Model DEM improves the source data gap along Australia’s vast intertidal zone. All source bathymetry data were extensively edited as point clouds to remove noise, given a consistent WGS84 horizontal datum, and where possible, an approximate MSL vertical datum. The High-resolution depth model for the Great Barrier Reef - 30 m (Version 10 Nov 2020) can be downloaded as four separate but overlapping grids, with the area coverage: Great Barrier Reef A 2020 30m 10-17°S 143-147°E Great Barrier Reef B 2020 30m 16-23°S 144-149°E Great Barrier Reef C 2020 30m 18-24°S 148-154°E Great Barrier Reef D 2020 30m 23-29°S 150-156°E There is an updated “Torres Strait Bathymetry 30m 2020 - A High-resolution Depth Model (20200021C)” and can be downloaded at: http://pid.geoscience.gov.au/dataset/ga/144348 It includes a grid with an area coverage: 8 – 13°S and 139 – 146°E This dataset is not to be used for navigational purposes.

Lineage

Maintenance and Update Frequency: asNeeded

Statement: GRID RESOLUTION: 0.0003° (~30 m). HORIZONTAL DATUM: WGS84. VERTICAL DATUM: Approximates mean sea level. DATA LIMITATIONS: AUSTRALIAN HYDROGRAPHIC SERVICE NOTICE: Not to be used for navigation. Certain material in this product are reproduced under licence by permission of The Australian Hydrographic Service © Commonwealth of Australia 2010-2020. All rights reserved. This information may not be copied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form, in whole or part, without the prior written consent of the Australian Hydrographic Service. GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA NOTICE: This gbr30 DEM incorporates data which are © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) 2010- 2020. The Commonwealth gives no warranty regarding the data's accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability for any particular purpose. This dataset has been compiled from a wide range of data sources of varying resolution and accuracy.

Notes

Purpose
This project aimed to develop a new high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and adjoining Coral Sea at a grid pixel resolution of 0.0003-arc degree (about 30 m). A high resolution DEM is a critical 3D dataset required to accurately simulate water mixing and current flow within a whole-of-GBR scale hydrodynamic model. In addition, a new grid is required to improve the geomorphic detail about the location and spatial extent of seabed features for much of the GBR shelf and Coral Sea region. The new grid utilised the latest data sourced from ship-based multibeam and singlebeam echosounder surveys, airborne LiDAR bathymetry surveys, and satellite derived bathymetry data. A full description of the project is available at: http://www.deepreef.org/projects/48-depth-model-gbr.html