Habitat mapping
We provide habitat assessments from the intertidal to the subtidal zones, including deep sea, which can then be presented as detailed benthic habitat maps based on national and international marine habitat classifications.
Why work with Ocean Ecology?
Intertidal habitat mapping
Our intertidal habitat maps include aerial imagery shot from UAVs. These are stitched together to create orthomosaic and digital elevation models.
A walkover intertidal survey usually accompanies the UAV survey to collect target notes on habitats and biotopes present and highlight sensitive features.
ESRI ArcPro software is used to create maps where target notes are overlaid on the UAV orthomosaic to define boundaries of the different habitats and biotopes characterising the intertidal zone.
Subtidal habitat mapping
These maps include acoustic data, typically from side scan sonar (SSS), multibeam echosounder bathymetry and backscatter. They are interpreted by our specialists to identify the location and extent of habitats.
Seabed imagery (video and stills) from drop-down camera surveys often help the interpretation of habitats and biotopes.
ESRI ArcPro software is used to overlay the SSS data with results of the seabed imagery analysis to create subtidal habitat maps.
Sectors using our habitat mapping services
- Offshore wind
- Aquaculture
- Oil & gas
- Subsea cables
- Ports, harbours & marinas
- Aggregates & dredging
- Nuclear
- Regulatory bodies
- Infrastructure projects
- NGOs
- Tidal & wave
Do you need marine habitat mapping?
To find out more about how our our habitat mapping services can help your project, please contact us.