EMODnet Bathymetry 2024 DTM strengthens marine mapping with updated data

The latest release of the EMODnet Bathymetry digital terrain model (DTM) marks a significant step in advancing marine mapping. Developed with the support of the European Commission and the EMODnet Bathymetry consortium, the 2024 update benefits from contributions from a broad network of experts.

This iteration features an improved resolution of 1/16 × 1/16 arc minutes (approximately 115 × 115 metres), covering European seas and selected global regions. It integrates data from acoustic surveys, airborne bathymetric Lidar and satellite-derived bathymetry from platforms such as Sentinel-2.

The reference layer and quality index now link to 22,063 dataset entries, including 21,890 bathymetric surveys and 173 composite DTMs, which is an increase of 126 datasets since 2022. The dataset catalogue has expanded to 43,092 unique survey descriptions and 299 composite DTM or satellite-derived products, extending coverage beyond European coasts in collaboration with the European SeaDataNet infrastructure.

Additional updates include higher-resolution terrain snapshots, improved coastline data and the integration of GEBCO 2024, IBCAO 5 and GMRT datasets. Enhanced OGC and REST web services now support EPSG 4326 and Web Mercator (EPSG 3857) formats, with doubled resolution in 2D and 3D viewers for more detailed visualizations.

European contribution to Seabed 2030

“This new version of the EMODnet Bathymetry product strengthens our understanding of European waters and parts of the global ocean, both in terms of coverage and quality. It represents a dedicated contribution from European bathymetric data holders and specialists towards the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 target,” said Thierry Schmitt of Shom, coordinator of EMODnet Bathymetry.

First launched in 2010, the EMODnet DTM has become a key reference for government, scientific research and industry. With thousands of monthly visitors and over 3,200 downloads per month, it remains the most detailed publicly available gridded bathymetry model for European waters. EMODnet continues to welcome high-resolution bathymetric data contributions to further refine its products, with more details available via EMODnet Data Ingestion.