The Scorpion Reef, in Spanish “Arrecife Alacranes”, is the largest atoll in the southern Gulf of Mexico and a designated National Park. EOMAP has now mapped this region using Satellite-Derived Bathymetry (SDB).

Mapping a biodiversity hotspot

This largest reef of the region is home to an extraordinary marine ecosystem: With five islets and at least 34 hard coral species, it serves as a sanctuary for numerous kinds of birds, fish, and turtles. Unfortunately, like many other biodiversity hotspots, Scorpion Reef faces threats from factors, such as illegal fishing and unregulated tourism.

Space-based data on water depth

Only recently, our team processed 290 km² of the region around Scorpion Reef using Satellite-Derived Bathymetry (SDB) workflows. This approach provides detailed insights into water depths across the atoll without the need for costly or invasive surveys. The data generated are valuable decision-support for conservation and monitoring efforts.

For this 10-m dataset, our colleagues analysed satellite scenes of Sentinel-2. “10-metre resolution” means that the smallest area mapped is 10x10m size – which we also applied for extended areas such as the Bahamas.

The benefits of SDB datasets

Like at Scorpion Reef, this space-based mapping technology offers several benefits for decision makers in coastal environments:

• Enhanced monitoring: Continuous monitoring and update of sandy seabed and beaches
• Fills bathymetric data gaps: Depth information in areas which are not sufficiently charted
• Cost-effective and scalable: No need for extensive fieldwork, satellite imagery enables large-area coverage quickly
• Supports conservation: Provides actionable data for managing and protecting marine ecosystems
• Non-intrusive and safe: Ideal for remote or protected regions where traditional surveys are challenging

Let’s connect

For other applications, especially in coastal engineering, we can increase the spatial resolution of SDB grids to submeter levels of detail.

Please contact our US office or our shallowwater team for SDB services worldwide.