Map Types
Bathymetric Maps
Topographic maps of the sea floor. Through the use of detailed depth contours and full use of
bathymetric data, the size, shape and distribution of underwater features are vividly portrayed. No
other map or chart gives this descriptive picture of the ocean bottom terrain. The bathymetric map
serves as the basic tool for performing scientific, engineering, marine geophysical and environmental
studies, that are required in the development of energy and marine resources.
Topo/Bathy Maps
These detailed multipurpose maps show both the NOS bathymetry (ocean bottom topography) and the US
Geological Survey (USGS) land topographic information. These maps are cooperatively produced by NOS and
USGS to support the Coastal Zone Management and Energy Impact Programs and the offshore oil and gas
program. They may also be used by land-use planners, conservationists, oceanographers, marine
geologists, and other having an interest in the coastal zone and the Outer Continental Shelf's (OCS)
physical environment. All 1:250,000 and 1:1000,000 TOPO/BATHY maps are overprinted with the Minerals
Management Service's OCS Protraction Diagram data.
Bathy Fishing Maps
Topographic maps of the sea floor designed primarily for use by commercial and sport fishermen. This
series of maps produced at a 1:100,000 scale contain Loran-C rates, distribution and identification of
bottom sediment types and known bottom obstructions in addition to the basic information found on the
standard bathymetric map. This product is intended to aid fishermen and other users in the
identification of seafloor features and the location of potential fishing grounds.
Geophysical Maps
Each consist of three sheets (a base bathymetric map, a magnetic map, and a gravity map), and where
practicable a sediment overprint(NOS 1308N-17S). The bathymetric map, when combined with the other three
maps, serves as a base for making geological-geophysical studies of the oceans bottom's crustal
geophysical data for the Continental Shelf and slope. The SEAMAP SERIES at a scale of 1:1,000,000,
covers geophysical data gathered in the deep-sea area, sometimes including the adjacent Continental
Shelf and Slope.
Preliminary Maps
NCEI provides bathymetric information for some areas where maps have been compiled, but are not
published. NOAA will provide blackline copies of compilation manuscripts for bathymetric maps that were
left in the production process but are sufficiently developed to include accurate bathymetric data.
There are no plans to have these maps published.
Regional Maps
These 1:1,000,000 scale maps are compiled from 1:250,000 scale bathymetric maps.
