Review article
https://doi.org/10.17818/NM/2021/2.7
Comparison and Analysis of Publicly Available Bathymetry Models in the East Adriatic Sea
Ljerka Vrdoljak
orcid.org/0000-0002-6876-0378
; Hydrographic Institute of the Republic of Croatia Hydrographic department
Abstract
In this paper the latest versions of six publicly available bathymetry models: DTU10bat, EMODnet 2018, ETOPO1, GEBCO 2020, Smith and Sandwell V20.1 and SRTM15+ V.2.1. are compared and evaluated in the area of continental shelf of Croatia settled along well intended east Adriatic coast. Survey data in the area is not available through open access data bases, but publicly accessible in agreement with data holders (hydrographic institute, research centres and industry). These grids provide alternative sources of information about seafloor topography. Marine researchers should be acquainted with the main characteristics as well as pros and cons of bathymetry models in order to choose the best one for a specific purpose. In this paper the most important characteristics and information about grids are presented: resolution, coverage, release date, horizontal and vertical datum, data source, registration method, producer and link to website with an emphasis on the underlying source data. The underlying source data is one of the most important parameters that determine the quality of the bathymetric model. Hypsometry curve that is describing the area distribution of depth is calculated for each bathymetry model over the test area of the east Adriatic. For pixel to pixel comparison, grids were resampled to same one-minute resolution and absolute differences between models are calculated in identical points. Absolute differences between models show level of mutual compatibility between models as well as areas of highest disagreements that indicate the presence of outliers or systematic errors within models. In order to demonstrate how well publicly available bathymetry models fit the true topography of the sea floor, grids were compared to high-resolution digital bathymetry model interpolated from the multibeam survey in the area of Murter Sea. This paper should assist in the choice of a most suited bathymetry grid in future maritime studies in the Adriatic.
Keywords
Adriatic Sea; bathymetry: bathymetry grid; continental shelf; DTU; GEBCO; ETOPO; EMODnet; Smith and Sandwell; SRTM+
Hrčak ID:
254529
URI
Publication date:
30.3.2021.
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