Seafloor Classification

Seafloor properties, the extent of habitats and their health – all of this can be seen from space. For your environmental studies, satellites offer a highly efficient and safe way to classify coastal habitats. At EOMAP, we help you translate this data into decision-ready information on the seafloor’s nature.

How your Seafloor Classification could look

Build your work on a clear view of the seafloor over vast areas and even explore changes over time.

Sfc Maledives Before RgbSfc Maledives After Map

Rapid and robust seafloor analyses

Rely on standardised mapping methods of benthic cover and habitat: Let’s classify the seafloor of your interest, what is growing there and how to preserve it! EOMAP’s seafloor classification will help you monitor your marine operations, map seabed changes or document the impact of construction works.

Depending on your project needs, we provide seafloor classifications based on 2 to 10m grid spacings. Talk to our experts to learn which resolution is most appropriate for your needs.

If you wish to see the development of an area, we can also monitor changes on the seafloor over time.  Depending on your needs, we can provide these satellite-based insights annually, seasonally or even daily.

Before getting started, we define the expected classes in your area. For this, we build on both your and our expert knowledge. Potential classes can be corals, seagrass, macroalgae, rocks, sediment, artificial structures and many more. The target is a seafloor classification schema that fulfils your needs.

Why choose EOMAP Seafloor Classification?

Efficiency

Tailor-made seafloor classification boosts the efficiency of your work: Improve on-site diving and sampling strategies.

Time savings

This satellite-based approach helps you reduce or avoid time intensive on-site data collection.

Global experience

Our team has been spearheading satellite-based services for 15+ years. We have conducted seafloor analysis in many coastal areas worldwide. Enjoy this expertise!

Wide coverage

Access up-to date seafloor information for large and remote areas.

Historical data

Relevant satellite sensors have been orbiting the Earth since the 1990s. Therefore, we can look back on the development of seafloor and benthic habitats up to 30 years.

Seafloorclassification Keyapplications Infographic

Learn more about benthic mapping

USE CASES

Read about use cases in habitat mapping and seafloor classification

TECH DEEP DIVE

Learn about the classes we identify and the technology behind

INFO CENTRE

Access downloads, imagery and more

FAQ

Simply send your area of interest in digital format to our shallow water team or use our contact form. You’ll receive appropriate feedback within 24 hours on working days.

EOMAP’s seafloor classification services have been widely used and validated in practice. Clients worldwide acknowledge and benefit from the quality of our data, our extensive background knowledge and high level of service readiness.

The maximum water depth mapped by seafloor classification is similar to the maximum penetration depth of sunlight. Since this varies by season and location, a global depth statement is not appropriate. The following mapping depths have been analysed: Red Sea (20–30 m), Gulf region (5–15 m from north to south), Mediterranean Sea (20–30 m), Baltic Sea (2–15 m from north to south), Caribbean Sea (20–30 m), US West Coast (5–15 m), Pacific region (20–30 m).

Mapping accuracies typically vary with the detail of the classification scheme and seafloor complexity. In most cases, our clients have validated our seafloor classification data with drop-down cameras and diving transects in the range of 85-90% accuracy.

The thematic complexity of our classifications strongly depends on the area of interest, the desired spatial resolution, the available in-situ data (potentially provided by the client) and your requirements. Standard thematic classes include coral, hard-bottom, sand, different densities of seagrass canopy, macroalgae or man-made features. Simply send us details on the classes you are interested in and we will check their feasibility in your area of interest!

The default file types for our seafloor classification data are vector shape files, which come with a PDF map and metadata. If you require grids or other formats, we can convert the data on request and advise you on data integration into your workflows.

Discover our services

In addition to seafloor analyses, we provide complementary services. Unlock the power of actionable insights from space!