Underwater Topography Mapping

Underwater topography mapping, also known as bathymetry, is the process of measuring and mapping the physical features of the ocean floor, lakes, and other underwater environments. This field is essential for a wide range of applications, from marine research and resource exploration to navigation and environmental monitoring. By creating detailed maps of underwater landscapes, scientists and engineers can better understand geological formations, track changes in seabed structures, and enhance safety for underwater operations. At Fraunhofer ENAS we have developed a highly miniaturized, and sensitive CMUT capable of accurately tracking the changes in the topography of the underwater bed. Our tests also revealed the CMUT’s ability to map complex structures like 3D replication of alphabets down to the mm scale.