The term “bathymetry” comes from Greek, where “bathys” means depth and “metron” means measurement. Bathymetry is the study of the depth of a body of water, including the ocean. The main purpose of bathymetry is to create maps called bathymetric charts, which provide an overview of the depth and topography of the water bottom. Bathymetry measurements are carried out with the help of instruments such as Echosounder, Multibeam Echosounder, Singlebeam Echosounder, Side Scan Sonar, Underwater LIDAR, etc.
The result of bathymetry measurements is water depth data and seafloor topography that are used to create bathymetric maps or 3D models of the seafloor. Bathymetry information is essential for a variety of applications, including maritime navigation, scientific research on the ocean and its ecosystems, exploration of underwater natural resources, construction planning of underwater structures, and more. An understanding of the depth and topography of the seafloor can also help in modeling the movement of ocean waves, ocean currents, and geological events on the seafloor.
Writer : Ignatia Feronica Sinaga
