Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in 3D
Researchers at EOMAP, a German aquatic remote sensing company, have for the first time created a 3D digital map of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem covering an area close to 350,000 square kilometers. EOMAP used satellite imagery and state of the art software to map this natural world wonder in 3D, giving a much more detailed image than what was previously available. In the past scientists had surveyed the Great Barrier Reef using more conventional methods such as boats and sonar but this new method has outputted an image of the Reef at a resolution never before seen at a depth of 30 meters.
Image courtesy of EOMAP
Image courtesy of EOMAP
Image courtesy of EOMAP
Dr Robin Beaman, a marine geologist at James Cook University in Cairns says the data could provide policy makers and researchers with vital information needed to combat threats to the reef. This includes measuring the impact of rising sea levels and helping to measure water quality and ocean currents. It could also be used to model crown of thorn starfish larval trajectories to determine where they are next likely to inhabit the Great Barrier Reef.
3D file of the Great Barrier Reef at 500 meters resolution. This file is downloadable in full from the EOMAP website.
A sample area of the Great Barrier Reef 3D file at 2 meters resolution. This data can be purchased from the EOMAP website.
The same 2 meter resolution sample area as above from a different angle. Great detail can be seen here in the blue area (reef).
For interested parties the imagery is available for purchase at EOMAP’s website with small sample areas available for free download.
For more information visit
EOMAP: http://www.eomap.com/great-barrier-reef
Dr Robin Beaman: http://www.deepreef.org
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Scantherma’s Remote Sensing services here.