1995 IFREMER Cartopep Acoustic Survey data - Habitat map

Interpretation of Multibeam Bathymetry and Backscatter data from the Cartopep campaign (1995). Multibeam bathymetry data processed with the Caraibes software (v3.9) and a 30m grid created. The data was acquired in 1995 when multibeam systems were first emerging onto the commercial market. The number of beams per ping was limited and thus the data density low in comparison to more modern data. Data editting was only done on data that was significantly in error. The multibeam backscatter data was also processed in the Caraibes software package and produced 2 mosaics at 50m resolution. The backscatter data did not have higher resolution data. Correlation with ground truth data, consisting of sediment samples and photographic imagery samples, predominantly toward the top of slope and seamount summit and flanks,allowed basic interpretation of the bathymetry and backscatter data near the sample locations. To aid interpetation, the sediment samples had been divided into FOLK categories and habitat type determinations, as well as faunal communities in some instances, had beeen made for the photographic imagery samples. Characterisation was spread over the whole area and divided into polygon regions by finding interpretive boundaries on either backscatter imagery (such as texture changes or contrast changes) or on the bathymetric layers of slope, rugosity and relief.