INFOMAR releases new high-resolution data for the Irish Shelf and Offshore

INFOMAR, Ireland's national seabed mapping programme, are pleased to announce the release of its latest data update. This release encompasses essential enhancements including updated bathymetric & backscatter surfaces reflecting new specification, higher resolution, increased spatial availability and improved stability.

A key feature of data updates include the availability of 2m resolution survey leg data, as well as 5m, 10m, and 25m resolution merged surfaces for bathymetry along with 40m resolution data for backscatter, covering the Irish offshore and shelf areas. All bathymetric & backscatter datasets are now available in 3-star open standard format which improves user access across all GIS environments.

Thomas Furey, joint programme manager at The Marine Institute, highlighted the importance of the new data release – “This valuable update marks a significant stride in providing comprehensive and up-to-date information on Ireland's seabed, crucial for various marine-related activities, including navigation, resource management, offshore renewable energy and environmental conservation.”

Key Highlights of the INFOMAR Data Release:

2m Survey Leg Data: The inclusion of newly derived 2m survey leg data offers increased availability for the Irish inshore, with planned regular updates during the coming months.

Sample of updated 2m gridded bathymetry surfaces (Tramore Bay)

Merged Surfaces (Bathymetry): INFOMAR now provides merged bathymetric surfaces at 5m, 10m and 25m resolutions for the Irish Shelf (0-200m water depth). 25m and 100m Resolution data are also available for the Irish Offshore (>200m water depth).

Merged Surfaces (Backscatter): A single, homogenized backscatter surface at 40m resolution is available for the offshore, with 10m resolution available for inshore areas.

All data are available for download or via a data request through through INFOMAR’s data download portal.

All INFOMAR Web Map Services, REST Services and bespoke viewers have been updated to reflect new data availability. INFOMAR have also updated various facets of its website to include new vector data, imagery, standard operating procedures and value added products. For a detailed, comprehensive overview of INFOMAR’s new data updates, click here.

Sean Cullen, joint programme manager at Geological Survey Ireland added that - “INFOMAR are committed to providing accurate, accessible, and up-to-date marine data to support Ireland's maritime stakeholders. INFOMAR encourages users to explore and utilize this data for scientific research, maritime planning, and decision-making processes.”

The newly updated data is readily available - free for download - at www.infomar.ie, ensuring that researchers, industry professionals, and the public have easy access to this invaluable resource.

For more information, please contact:

Eoin MacCraith

Senior Geologist

Geological Survey Ireland

Email: Eoin.MacCraith@gsi.ie

EDITORS NOTES

INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland’s Marine Resource) is a twenty year programme to map the physical, chemical and biological features of Ireland’s seabed. INFOMAR is funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), and delivered by joint management partners Geological Survey Ireland and the Marine Institute. The programme has placed Ireland centre-stage as global leaders in marine stewardship, seabed mapping and development of marine resources.

The Marine Institute is the state agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. It provides government, public agencies and the maritime industry with a range of scientific, advisory and economic development services that inform policy-making, regulation and the sustainable management and growth of Ireland's marine resources.

Founded in 1845, Geological Survey Ireland is Ireland's public earth science knowledge center and is a division of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. We are committed to providing free, open and accurate data and maps on Ireland's subsurface to landowners, the public, industry, and all other stakeholders, within Ireland and internationally.  In addition, we act as a project partner in interpreting data and developing models and viewers to allow people to understand underground. We deal with a diverse array of topics including bedrock, groundwater, seabed mapping, natural disasters, and public health risks