⬇️ We’re launching a new series exploring the most common seafloor features to help you visualise the world that bathymetry reveals.

They’re predictions derived from sea-surface height and gravity data - not actual bathymetric surveys.

This is why the work of seabed mapping remains so important - to replace predictions with high-quality data to better understand, manage, and protect the ocean.

Over 140 years of innovation have transformed ocean mapping - from lead lines to satellite-based and AI-enhanced techniques. 🛰️

Every ping brings us closer to understanding the seafloor, and we're proud to be part of this global endeavor.

Over 140 years of innovation have transformed #oceanmapping - from lead lines to satellite-based and AI-enhanced techniques. 🛰️

Every ping brings us closer to understanding the seafloor, and we're proud to be part of this global endeavor.

The GEBCO Grid is more than a dataset - it represents decades of work by the global mapping community, with thousands of contributors providing data, expertise, and continued collaboration to advance our understanding of the #ocean.

This technology is one of the reasons we’ve been able to add millions of square kilometres of newly mapped seafloor to the global grid. 

🤝 We’re proud to collaborate with a global network of partners driving innovation in autonomous #oceanmapping.

Image: Exail

Unlike traditional ship-based #surveys, these autonomous systems can:

✓ Dive deeper and stay down longer
✓ Access hard-to-reach areas
✓ Operate 24/7 without crew fatigue
✓ Collect high-resolution data efficiently
✓ Dramatically reduce mapping costs

Accurate seabed maps are essential for marine spatial planning, sustainable ocean management, climate research, and conservation - among other vital uses.

Learn how you can help us fill in the gaps:

These and many more nations have vast Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) extending up to 200 nautical miles from their coasts. Yet large areas of many national waters remain unmapped or only partially surveyed.

🗺️ As the #BBNJTreaty moves from paper to practice, comprehensive ocean mapping becomes not just helpful, but essential. 

Learn how you can contribute here:

Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) cover nearly half of our planet and yet most of them remain unmapped.

For example, the southern Indian Ocean is home to vast ABNJ regions - but without accurate seabed data, it's challenging to monitor ecosystems or make informed #conservation decisions.

In episode 16 of the #Seabed2030 podcast, David shares his educational journey, his perspective on the evolution of digital mapping, and why supporting the next generation of seabed mappers is so important.

Listen here 👉

Our thanks to the #EuropeanCommission for convening and supporting such a vital dialogue.

🗺️ Steve was encouraged by the growing recognition of the importance of ocean mapping - not only as a scientific discipline, but as the foundational infrastructure that underpins sustainable blue economies, maritime security, and climate resilience worldwide.