Coastal Services Center

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Mapping Techniques

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Benthic habitats are mapped and studied using a variety of tools and techniques. Some methods are used to characterize relatively large areas (that is, on the order of hundreds to many thousands of square meters). For example, satellite images and aerial photographs can be used to identify different habitats along the shore and in shallow water. This type of broad-scale data collection provides general information throughout an area of interest.

The following sections provide a brief overview of the optical and acoustical tools used to collect regional benthic habitat mapping data. More detailed information describing specific sensors is available from the links within these pages.

• Satellite Imagery and Aerial Photography
• Shipboard Acoustic Surveys

A variety of optical (that is, video, still cameras, lasers) and physical sampling techniques allow researchers to take a closer, fine-scale look at small sections of the seafloor. These methods generally involve the use of specialized equipment that is deployed from ships. They provide an opportunity to gather more detailed information about a particular area of seafloor and to verify or calibrate interpretations of broad-scale data, such as that collected from satellites, aircraft, and acoustic surveys. This more detailed information is important for improving and expanding scientists' ability to characterize and map benthic habitats.

• Shipboard Imaging Using Light and Photography
• Sediment Sampling

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