Satellite derived bathymetry: toward utilisation for hydrographic services.

Abstract

Hydrographic organisations and their affiliated institutes are stepping up development of the technology of Satellite Derived Bathymetry(SDB). In Japan, Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department of the Japan Coast Guard (JHOD) has launched a research project for SDB in collaboration with Japan Hydrographic Association (JHA) and Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) since 2014. Although the uncertainty of the depth values generated in current SDB does not satisfy the IHO S- 44 standards, SDB can be produced at lower cost in a shorter survey term compared with conventional survey techniques. Adequate use of SDB will help greatly improve the coverage of unsurveyed or very poorly surveyed sea area that will encourage further maritime development, including charting for safe navigation. IHO and its subsidiary committees have recently started discussion on standardisation of SDB data quality and charting of SDB soundings.