Decimeterdeep

Decimeterdeep is a term used to describe depth information or analyses that resolve depth at roughly decimeter (0.1 meter) scales. In marine science, geomatics, and related visualization fields, decimeterdeep denotes datasets or models where vertical resolution is on the order of 0.1 meters, enabling fine-grained representation of seabed features and shallow-water topography.

Origin and usage: The term is not an official standard but has emerged in discussions of high-resolution bathymetry and coastal mapping, used to contrast coarser (meter-scale) depth grids with finer-resolution, decimeter-scale representations.

Applications and data sources: Decimeterdeep data are produced by high-density bathymetric surveys using multi-beam sonar, swath sonar, and, in shallower waters, lidar bathymetry. They support coastal hazard analysis, habitat mapping, dredging and cable routing, and 3D visualization of underwater environments.

Data characteristics and processing: Vertical resolution is about 0.1 m, with horizontal resolution determined by survey spacing and interpolation. Data quality depends on sensing modality, water clarity, seabed roughness, and tidal or water-column effects. Processing typically includes tide correction, sound-speed profiling, gridding, and quality flags.

Limitations and standardization: Decimeterdeep is not a universally standardized term, and datasets labeled as such may vary in resolution and accuracy. Users should consult metadata for vertical and horizontal resolution, uncertainty estimates, and data provenance.

See also: bathymetry, lidar bathymetry, multi-beam sonar, coastal geomatics.