Our extensive marine datasets have been compiled over the years through several programmes including INFOMAR, JIBS and more recently EMODnet.
INFOMAR
EMODnet Bathymetry
EMODnet Geology
JIBS
To access specific datasets, with data download formats and software for viewing the data, click on any relevant links below:
Backscatter
Bathymetry (Shaded Relief)
Geology
Gravity
Lidar
Magnetics
Maps
Seabed Habitats & Substrate
Seabed Samples
Shipwrecks
Survey Coverage and Reports
INFOMAR is the INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Ireland's MArine Resource Programme.
It is a twenty year programme to map Ireland’s seabed. INFOMAR is funded by the Department of the Environment, Cliamte and Communications (DECC), and delivered by joint management partners Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute.
Official website
EMODnet is the European Marine Observation and Data network.
Developing and providing a harmonised Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the seabed for European sea regions.
Official website
EMODnet is the European Marine Observation and Data network.
Developing and providing a harmonised Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the seabed for European sea regions.
Official website
In April 2007, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), UK was awarded approval to undertake the Joint Irish Bathymetric Survey Project (JIBS) under the INTERREG IIIA Programme of work. The objective of the JIBS Project is to promote joint action to survey the seabed in such a way as to satisfy the needs of many organisations.
JIBS provides for the first time comprehensive and seamless multibeam bathymetry data within the 3nm coastal strip westward from Fair Head, around Rathlin Island and extending to Inishtrahull Island off Donegal, excluding the harbour sections of Lough Foyle.
A Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) also measures the strength of the sound returning from the seabed, known as backscatter. Each seabed type (mud, sand, gravel, rock) is given a backscatter value, depending on the strength of the sound returned to the sonar head. Rocky areas have high returns. Soft sediments like sand absorb energy and have low backscatter returns. These values are used to make a grey-scale image with a dark colour for high returns (rocks) and a bright colour for low returns (sand).
Backscatter data formats.
| Image | Format | Software | Instructions |
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 | PDF chart | Free Adobe | Download Charts
Download pdf Select: Offshore Charts pdf |
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 | Geotiff (.tif) | Any image viewing software | Download Geotiffs Select: Offshore Geotiffs-Offshore Geotiffs-Backscatter GeoTiffs |
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 | Trackline xyz (.dat) | Fledermaus
ArcGIS
QGIS | Download xyz Select: Vector datasets-Offshore -Backscatter |
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Bathymetry (shaded relief, water depth / underwater terrain)
We use a Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) on a boat to determine water depth. The depth is calculated based on the time it takes the sound to be emitted from the sensor, hit the seabed and bounce back. The water depth maps are known as "Bathymetry Maps". We use software called Fledermaus to get the 3D effect. By using vertical exaggeration, artificial sun-shading (mostly as if there is a light source in the northwest) and colouring the depths using colour maps, it is possible to highlight the subtle relief of the seabed. These are known as "Shaded Relief Bathymetry Maps".
Bathymetry data formats.
| Image | Format | Software | Instructions |
|---|
 | PDF chart | Free Adobe | Download Charts
Download pdf
Select: Offshore Charts pdf |
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 | Google (.kmz) | Free Google Earth | Download kmz
Select: Google Kmz |
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 | Fledermaus .scene, .sd | Free iView4D | Download .scene
Select: Fledermaus Scenes
Note: You can click and get depth using this software. |
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 | Geotiff (.tif) | Any image viewing software | Download Geotiffs
Select: Offshore Geotiffs-Offshore Geotiffs-Bathymetry GeoTiffs |
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 | Grid ER Mapper (.ers) | ERDAS ER Mapper
ArcGIS
QGIS | Download .ers
Select: Gridded datasets-Offshore-Bathymetry |
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| ESRI ArcGIS GRID | ArcGIS | Download ArcGIS GRID
Select: ArcGIS GRIDS-Offshore ArcGIS-Bathymetry Survey Leg ArcGIS GRID or Bathymetry Merged Survey ArcGIS GRID or Bathymetry Entire Area ArcGIS GRID. |
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 | Grid or trackline xyz (.dat) | Fledermaus,
ArcGIS
QGIS | Download xyz
Select: Vector datasets-Offshore -Bathymetry (Survey Leg) for a grid or Bathymetry (Survey Line) for tracklines. |
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The Onshore Geology map is the Bedrock Geology 1:1 Million scale map. The Seabed geology 1:1 Million scale map was compiled for the EMODnet Geology project (lithology).
Geology data formats.
Gravity is the measure of the force of attraction at any point on the Earth's surface. This force will vary depending on the rock type present. Gravity surveys are used to locate sedimentary basins (regions where considerable thicknesses of sediments have accumulated). These basins are key areas of interest in the search for oil and gas reserves. Gravity is measured using on-board marine gravimeters.
Gravity data formats.
| Image | Format | Software | Instructions |
|---|
 | ESRI ArcGIS GRID | ArcGIS | Download ArcGIS GRID
Select: ArcGIS GRIDS-Offshore ArcGIS- Gravity ArcGIS GRID |
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 | Grid xyz (.dat) | Fledermaus
Geosoft
ArcGIS
QGIS | Download xyz
Select: Vector datasets-Offshore -Gravity |
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| Grid ER Mapper (.ers) | ERDAS ER Mapper
ArcGIS
QGIS
Geosoft
Free Oasis montaj Viewer | Download .ers Select: Gridded datasets-Offshore-Gravity |
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This method of surveying emits two laser light beams from a sensor on-board an airplane. The red beam reaches the water surface and bounces back, while the green beam penetrates the water hits the seabed and bounces back. The difference in time between the two beams returning allows the water depth to be calculated. Digital photographs can also be taken using a downward looking geo-referenced digital camera. We use software called Fledermaus to get the 3D effect. By using vertical exaggeration, artificial sun-shading (mostly as if there is a light source in the northwest) and colouring the depths using colour maps, it is possible to highlight the subtle relief of the seabed/landscape. These are known as "Shaded Relief Lidar Maps".
Lidar data formats.
| Image | Format | Software | Instructions |
|---|
 | PDF chart | Free Adobe | Download Charts
Download pdf
Select: Offshore Charts pdf |
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 | Google (.kmz) | Free Google Earth | Download kmz
Select: Google Kmz |
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| Fledermaus .scene, .sd | Free iView4D | Download .scene
Select: Fledermaus Scenes
Note: You can click and get depth using this software. |
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 | Geotiff (.tif) | Any image viewing software | Download Geotiffs
Select: Offshore Geotiffs-Offshore Geotiffs-Lidar GeoTiffs |
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| Grid ER Mapper(.ers) | ERDAS ER Mapper
ArcGIS
QGIS | Download .ers
Select:Select: Gridded datasets-Offshore-Lidar |
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| ESRI ArcGIS GRID | ArcGIS | Download ArcGIS GRID
Select: ArcGIS GRIDS-Offshore ArcGIS-LIDAR ArcGIS GRID |
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| Grid xyz(.dat) | Fledermaus,
ArcGIS
QGIS | Download xyz
Select: Vector datasets-Offshore -Lidar |
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Many rocks have a magnetic component and this magnetic field can be measured by a magnetometer towfish.
These maps are used to aid in the production of geological maps and are also commonly used during mineral exploration.
Manmade objects containing iron and other metals will also produce a magnetic field, so the magnetometer can also be used to detect shipwrecks and debris on the ocean floor.
Magnetics data formats.
| Image | Format | Software | Instructions |
|---|
| ESRI ArcGIS GRID | ArcGIS | Download ArcGIS GRID
Select: ArcGIS GRIDS-Offshore ArcGIS-
Magnetics ArcGIS GRID |
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| Grid xyz (.dat) | Fledermaus
Geosoft
ArcGIS
QGIS | Download xyz
Select: Vector datasets-Offshore -Magnetics |
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| Grid ER Mapper(.ers) | ERDAS ER Mapper ArcGIS
QGIS
Geosoft
Free Oasis montaj Viewer | Download .ers Select:Select: Gridded datasets-Offshore-Magnetics |
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Maps available for download
The seabed substrate map is created by grouping seabed areas that are alike. We use the bathymetry, backscatter and seabed samples data to select these areas.
EMODnet Geology WP3 Seabed substrate map. This is a broad scale map (1: 250 000 scale) collected and harmonised by the EMODnet-Geology partners. It is classified using the Folk schema (7 classes).
INFOMAR have produced more detailed Seabed Classification maps for some areas around the Irish coast.
Seabed Habitats data formats.
We collect sediment samples from the seabed.
Looking at the samples along with the bathymetry and backscatter maps allows us to group seabed areas of similar nature, and create seabed habitat maps.
Seabed Sample data formats.
| Image | Format | Software | Instructions |
|---|
 | Shapefile | Free ArcGIS Explorer
ArcGIS
QGIS | Download Offshore Shapefiles
Select: Vector datasets-Offshore-Offshore Shapefiles
Samples_PSA.shp,Seabed_Samples.shp,Non_INFOMAR_Samples.shp |
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We map shipwrecks.
Shipwreck data formats.
Download the Survey Coverage polygons & track lines.
You can also download the Survey Leg Reports.