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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Multibeam Bathymetry Database (MBBDB)

browse graphic1996: Dr. Lincoln Pratson, INSTAAR/NGDC offshore California gridded multibeam data
Originally designed for military use, the multibeam echosounder has proved very useful for nautical charting, oceanographic research and modeling, habitat classification, maritime commerce, and recreational applications. The Multibeam Bathymetry Database at NCEI collects and archives multibeam data from the earliest commercial installations (circa 1980) through today's modern high-resolution collections. Data are acquired from a variety of primarily government and academic sources (see individual cruise metadata records for source information) and consist of the raw (as collected) sonar data files. Datasets may also include processed or edited versions of the sonar data, ancillary data, derived products, and/or metadata for the data collection. The Multibeam Bathymetry Database provides data that span the globe and are discoverable and accesible via map interface or text-only search options.
  • Cite as: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. 2004: Multibeam Bathymetry Database (MBBDB). [cruise]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/doi:10.7289/V56T0JNC. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.ngdc:G01034
Search Data
Distribution Formats
    Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
    Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
    ncei.info@noaa.gov
    Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
    ncei.info@noaa.gov
    Dataset Point of Contact Multibeam Data Manager
    NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
    (303) 497-4613
    mb.info@noaa.gov
    Time Period 1980-01-01 to Present
    Spatial Reference System Through the collection reference systems have vaired with time and location. Please see survey level metadata for detailed information.
    Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
    West: -180
    East: 180
    South: -90
    North: 90
    Spatial Coverage Map
    General Documentation
    Associated Resources
    • Multibeam Bathymetric Data at NOAA/NGDC
    Publication Dates
    • creation: 1980
    • revision: 2023
    • publication: 2023-09-15
    Dataset Progress Status inProgress
    Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
    Data Update Frequency As needed - Updated as needed
    Purpose NGDC (now NCEI) established the Multibeam Bathymetry Database to provide a comprehensive database of multibeam bathymetric data on a global scale. The intent of the dataset is to make high-resolution bathymetry available to the public for a wide variety of uses, such as research and earth science analysis. These data are NOT to be used for navigation.
    Dataset Citation
    • Cite as: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. 2004: Multibeam Bathymetry Database (MBBDB). [cruise]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/doi:10.7289/V56T0JNC. Accessed [date].
    Cited Authors
    • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
    Publishers
    • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
    Theme keywords NGDA Portfolio Themes
    • NGDA
    • National Geospatial Data Asset
    • Elevation Theme
    Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Abyssal Hills/Plains
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Continental Margins
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Fracture Zones
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Ocean Plateaus/Ridges
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Seafloor Topography
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Seamounts
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Submarine Canyons
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Trenches
    • Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Water Depth
    Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Service Keywords
    • Data Analysis and Visualization > Geographic Information Systems > Web-Based Geographic Information Systems
    • Data Management/Data Handling > Data Search and Retrival
    • Data Analysis and Visualization > Visualization/Image Processing
    Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
    • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
    • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
    Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
    • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
    Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
    • Global Ocean
    • Sea Floor
    Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
    • ICSU-WDS > International Council for Science - World Data System
    Use Constraints
    • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
    • Cite as: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. 2004: Multibeam Bathymetry Database (MBBDB). [cruise]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/doi:10.7289/V56T0JNC. Accessed [date].
    • Data shall NOT be used for navigation. Nautical charts produced and certified by NOAA should be used for navigational purposes. For more information on NOAA's nautical charts go to NOAA's Office of Coast Survey website.
    Access Constraints
    • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
    • Data are publicly available and free to use.
    Fees
    • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
    Lineage information for: repository
    Processing Steps
    • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
    Acquisition Information (collection)
    Instrument
      Last Modified: 2023-09-15
      For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov