The purpose of this digital dataset is to provide accurate mapping of the distribution of sea-bed sediment types. Sea-bed sediments can only be mapped offshore, where the most recent deposits commonly form a veneer or superficial layer of unconsolidated material on the sea-bed. The dataset is produced for use at 1:250,000 scale. The boundaries between sediment classifications or types are delineated using sample station particle size analyses and descriptions, seafloor topography derived from shallow geophysical data and where available multibeam bathymetry and backscatter and side scan sonar profiles. The sediment types present on the sea-bed are of importance to a range of groups, including marine habitat mappers, marine spatial planners, the offshore construction and development sector, and the dredging and aggregate industries. These groups require detailed information on the nature of the sea-bed, including the sediment types present. The DiGSBS250k dataset has been created as vector polygons and are available in a range of GIS formats, including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo Coverages and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs.

The data shows the location of seabed and sub-seabed samples collected from the UK continental shelf, held by BGS. A BGS Sample Station is a general location at which sampling with one or more equipment types, such as borehole, grab, dredge, has been used. Historically, all deployment of equipment was recorded with the same coordinates so the data shown here will often show several sets of data at the same location. Newer data will begin to show distinct locations based on an equipment type. This layer shows all the BGS Sample Station Locations, including those where the Sampling was unsuccessful. The layers below are divided into distinct equipment types, plus a separate layer for unsuccessful sampling. BGS Sample Station Locations can have a wide range of potential information available. This can vary from a basic description derived from a simple piece of paper up to a complex set of information with a number of datasets. These datasets can include particle size analysis, geotechnical parameters, detailed marine geology, geochemical analysis and others. Prices are available on further enquiry.

The Marine Hard Substrate dataset maps areas of rock or hard substrate outcropping or within 0.5m of the sea-bed. The interpretation was based on a variety of data sourced from within the British Geological Survey and externally. Data consulted includes archive sample and seismic records, side scan sonar, multibeam bathymetry and Olex datasets. The distribution of hard substrate at the seabed, or within 0.5 m is important in dictating the benthic assemblages found in certain areas. Therefore, an understanding of the distribution of these substrates is of primary importance in marine planning and designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) under the Marine and Coastal Access Act, 2009. In addition, a number of other users will value these data, including marine renewable companies, aggregate companies, the fishing and oil and gas industries. In order to address this issue it was necessary to update British Geological Survey sea-bed mapping to delineate areas where rock, boulders or cobbles are present at, or within 0.5m of the sea-bed surface. A polygon shape file showing areas of rock or hard substrate at, or within 0.5m of the sea-bed has been developed. The dataset has been created as vector polygons and are available in a range of GIS formats, including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo Coverages and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs.

This dataset is about books and is filtered where the book is Standardising the production of habitat maps in the UK : Seabed Mapping Working Group workshop report November 2015, featuring 7 columns including author, BNB id, book, book publisher, and ISBN. The preview is ordered by publication date (descending).

This data layer is the BGS contribution to the OneGeology project, providing UK onshore geological data at 1:625 000 scale and UK continental shelf seabed sediment data at 1:1 million scale. This map data is collected as part of an ongoing BGS project: Digital Geological Map of Great Britain (DiGMapGB). This layer is the seabed sediment data layer.

UKSeaMap 2016 has been generated by JNCC and is a by-product of the 2013-2016 activities of the EMODnet Seabed Habitats 2013-2016 consortium. It is a composite of two broad-scale habitat maps, arranged in the following priority order:

1. A roughly 100 m* resolution broad-scale habitat map, which covers the majority of the UK shelf area.

2. EUSeaMap 2016, a coarser resolution** broad-scale habitat map, which covers all European seas (view/download on the EMODnet Seabed Habitats interactive map).

Both of these datasets have been created using identical methods; the only difference is in the resolution of the seabed substrate input data and the source and resolution of the depth data.

Classification systems: EUNIS habitat classification system, with additional deep sea zones MSFD predominant habitats The Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland

Input data layers: Seabed substrate type Depth to the seabed Amount of light reaching the seabed Wave disturbance at the seabed Kinetic energy at the seabed caused by tidal currents and waves

Outputs: Predictive seabed habitat map
Confidence layers

The map follows the EUNIS 2007-11 classification system where it is appropriate.

The BGS Seabed Sediments 250k dataset is vector data is vector data which reflects the distribution of seabed substrate types of the UK and some of its adjacent waters at 1:250,000 scale. This comprehensive product provides a digital compilation of the paper maps published by BGS at the same scale, as well as, additional re-interpretations from regional geological studies. The seabed is commonly covered by sediments that form a veneer or thicker superficial layer of unconsolidated material above the bedrock. These sediments are classified based on their grain size reflecting the environment in which were deposited. This information is important to a range of stakeholders, including marine habitat mappers, marine spatial planners, offshore industries (in particular, the dredging and aggregate industries). This dataset was primarily based on seabed grab samples of the top 0.1 m, combined with cores, dredge samples and sidescan sonar acquired during mapping surveys since the early 1970s. The variations in data density will be reflected in the detail of the mapping.

This is a 1:10,000 scale Bedrock geological map for some 800 km2 of the seabed across Weymouth Bay in Dorset. It joins seamlessly to the onshore BGS 1:10,000 scale Digital Geological Mapping (DiGMapGB-10) and therefore shows the coastal geology in detail. It comprises bedrock polygons, faults and limestone bed lines. The map was produced in 2015-16 by digitising against a seamless on- to offshore-shore elevation surface generated from high (1 m bin) resolution bathymetry and coastal Lidar data, collected as part of the Dorset Integrated Seabed Survey (DORIS) project and the Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme of England, made available by the Channel Coastal Observatory under the Open Government Licence. This map has been produced under the auspices of the Marine Environmental Mapping Programme (MAREMAP), in collaboration between the BGS and the University of Southampton. The map itself should be referred to as: Westhead, R K, Sanderson, D J, Dix, J K. 2016. Bedrock map for the offshore Weymouth Bay area, with seamless coastal joint to BGS onshore (DiGMapGB-10) mapping. Bedrock Geology. 1:10 000 (Marine Environmental Mapping Programme, MAREMAP)

Bathymetry is the study of underwater depth of sea or ocean floors. In other words, bathymetry is the underwater equivalent to hypsometry or topography. This raster dataset represents a measurement of water depth to the seabed. Bathymetry data from INFOMAR surveys have been collected in foreshore and offshore waters around Ireland. Seabed mapping bathymetry data has been collecting data since 2000 and is set to continue until 2025 under the INFOMAR programme. The INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Irelands MArine Resource (INFOMAR) programme is a joint venture between the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI). The programme is the successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and concentrates on creating integrated mapping products related to the seabed. Bathymetry data has been collected using multi-beam and single beam echosounders. A multibeam echosounder is a type of sonar that is used to map the seabed. Like other sonar systems, multibeam systems emit sound waves in a fan shape beneath a ships hull. The amount of time it takes for the sound waves to bounce off the seabed and return to a receiver has been used to determine water depth. Single beam echo sounders (SBES), also known as depth sounders or fathometers determine water depth by measuring the travel time of a short sonar pulse, or ping. Bathymetry coverage not yet 100% complete for the Irish zone that is planned to survey to 2025.

A series of approximately 3250 navigational charts covering the world. The series is maintained by Admiralty Notices to Mariners issued every week. New editions or new charts are published as required. Two thirds of the series are now available in metric units.

In areas where the United Kingdom is, or until recently has been, the responsible hydrographic authority - i.e. Home Waters, some Commonwealth countries, British colonies, and certain areas like the Gulf, Red Sea and parts of the eastern Mediterranean - the Admiralty charts afford detailed cover of all waters, ports and harbours. These make up about 30 per cent of the total series. Modern charts in these areas usually have a source data diagram showing the sources from which the chart was compiled. The quantity and quality of the sources vary due to age and the part of the world the chart depicts. The other 70 per cent are derived from information on foreign charts, and the Admiralty versions are designed to provide charts for ocean passage and landfall, and approach and entry to the major ports.

The series contains charts on many different scales, but can be divided very broadly as follows:

Route planning 1:10 million Ocean planning 1:3.5 million Coast approach or landfall identification 1:1 million Coasting 1:300,000 to 1:200,000 Intricate or congested coastal waters 1:150,000 to 1:75,000 Port approach 1:50,000 or larger Terminal installation 1:12,500 or larger

Charts on scales smaller than 1:50,000, except in polar regions, are on Mercator projection. Since 1978 all charts on 1:50,000 and larger have been produced on Transverse Mercator projection. Prior to 1978 larger scale charts were on a modified polyconic projection referred to as 'gnomonic', not to be confused with the true Gnomonic projection.

Most of the detail shown on a chart consists of hydrographic information - soundings (selected spot depths) in metres (on older charts in fathoms or feet) reduced to a stated vertical datum; depth contours; dredged channels; and the nature of the seabed and foreshore. Features which present hazards to navigation, fishing and other marine operations are also shown. These include underwater rocks and reefs; wrecks and obstructions; submarine cables and pipelines and offshore installations. Shallow water areas are usually highlighted with pale blue tint(s). Also shown are aids established to assist the navigator - buoys, beacons, lights, fog signals and radio position finding and reporting services; and information about traffic separation schemes, anchorages, tides, tidal streams and magnetic variation. Outline coastal topography is shown especially objects of use as fixing marks. As a base for navigation the chart carries compass roses, scales, horizontal datum information, graduation (and sometimes land map grids), conversion tables and tables of tidal and tidal stream rates.

A series of maps describing geological factors relevant to offshore seabed activities. Produced in collaboration with The Crown Estate in 2014. The Bedrock Summary Lithologies dataset is a digital geological map across the bulk of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), for areas up to a water depth of 200m, which groups the bedrock lithologies (rock types) into classes based on similar engineering geology characteristics. The map is derived from the 1:250,000 scale digital bedrock map of the UKCS, called DiGRock250k, which is available separately from the BGS. The map was produced in 2014 in collaboration with The Crown Estate as part of a project to assess seabed development opportunities across the UKCS. This map has been released for viewing on the Offshore GeoIndex alongside a series of other offshore geological maps from the BGS.

The Marine Hard Substrate dataset maps areas of rock or hard substrate outcropping or within 0.5m of the sea-bed. The interpretation was based on a variety of data sourced from within the British Geological Survey and externally. Data consulted includes archive sample and seismic records, side scan sonar, multibeam bathymetry and Olex datasets. The distribution of hard substrate at the seabed, or within 0.5 m is important in dictating the benthic assemblages found in certain areas. Therefore, an understanding of the distribution of these substrates is of primary importance in marine planning and designation of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) under the Marine and Coastal Access Act, 2009. In addition, a number of other users will value these data, including marine renewable companies, aggregate companies, the fishing and oil and gas industries. In order to address this issue it was necessary to update British Geological Survey sea-bed mapping to delineate areas where rock, boulders or cobbles are present at, or within 0.5m of the sea-bed surface. A polygon shape file showing areas of rock or hard substrate at, or within 0.5m of the sea-bed has been developed. The dataset has been created as vector polygons and are available in a range of GIS formats, including ArcGIS (.shp), ArcInfo Coverages and MapInfo (.tab). More specialised formats may be available but may incur additional processing costs.

This layer is a predictive EUNIS seabed habitat map for the Canary Islands. It was performed within the framework of EMODnet Phase 2 Thematic Lot n┬░ 3 (aka EUSeaMap2). It is a preliminary version which will be refined during the course of the project. The layer was created using two pre-processed input datasets: substrate and biological zone. The seabed substrate type layer was a compendium of historical maps (Emodnet phase 2 Geology lot first release + Datasets from Instituto Espa├▒ol de Oceanograf├¡a). The biological zones layer, available in this catalog under the title 'Biological zones of the Canary Islands and Madeira archipelago', was modeled thanks to layers of bathymetry and light attenuation. The map follows the EUNIS 2007-11 classification system supplemented by additional categories in deep sea areas (Howell et al., 2010). The map does not include the intertidal zone. The study followed the methodology developped within the EUSeaMap project (EMODnet phase 1). For more details about the methodology see EUSeaMap final report (Cameron and Askew, 2011) or Coltman et al., 2008. For more details about the current map see EUSeaMap2 interim report (EMODnet Thematic Lot n┬░ 3, 2014) Cameron, A., Askew, N. (eds.), 2011. EUSeaMap - Preparatory Action for development and assessment of a European broad-scale seabed habitat map final report. URL: http://jncc.gov.uk/euseamap Coltman, N., Golding, N., Verling, E., 2008. Developing a broadscale predictive EUNIS habitat map for the MESH study area. 16 pp. URL: https://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/resources/mesh-archive/. EMODnet Thematic Lot n┬░ 3, 2014. EMODnet Phase 2 - Annual (interim) report. Reporting Period: Sept. 2013 to Aug. 2014. URL: http://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/pdf/20140909_euseamap2_year1_report.pdf Howell, K.L., 2010. A benthic classification system to aid in the implementation of marine protected area networks in the deep/high seas of the NE Atlantic. Biological Conservation 143, 1041ÔÇô1056.

Special Areas of Conservation sub-features are used to further describe Annex 1 habitats designated within SACs. A process of standardising Annex 1 sub-features corresponding to the EUNIS habitat classification hierarchy was developed, and a standard list of sub-features was then created and defined according to existing EUNIS habitat descriptions and associated biotopes.Subfeatures for SACs are derived from the UK EUNIS level 3 seabed habitat map integrating data originating from surveys and EU SeaMap as part of the Development of a framework for Mapping European Seabed Habitats(MESH) project.

Seabed habitat classification data collected around Ireland and harmonised to EUNIS classification codes. The European Environment Agency (EEA) developed a classification scheme for habitats as part of its EUNIS system (European Nature Information System) for managing species, site and habitat information. Seabed habitat classification data processed from INFOMAR surveys includes the following breakdown of seabed habitat. Class 1 Fine Sand to Mud. Class 2 Coarse to Medium Sand. Class 3 Gravel to Coarse Sand. Class 4 Rock (Less Texture). Class 5 Rock Habitat classification. Collated marine habitats have been completed for inshore and offshore areas within the Currently Designated Irish Continental Shelf. Inshore seabed classification mapping has been completed for Bantry and Dunmanus bays, Cork coastline, Donegal and Sligo bays, Galway Bay, along the Co. Waterford coastline and in the Irish Sea around Dublin, Meath and Louth coastlines. Habitat classification mapping completed during the MESH and MESH Atlantic projects between 2006 and 2013. The MESH Guide to Marine Habitat Mapping provides a methodological framework for marine habitat mapping giving the information required to ensure consistency and compatibility between seabed habitat maps. The habitat mapping work supports the development of a framework for Mapping European Seabed Habitats. The INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Irelands MArine Resource (INFOMAR) programme is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI). The programme is the successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and concentrates on creating integrated mapping products related to the seabed. Marine habitat maps are complete for more than 50% of the area of the Currently Designated Irish Continental Shelf.

Interim draft habitat output of the EUSeaMap2 (2015) Baltic Sea broad-scale predictive model, produced by EMODnet Seabed Habitats. The map was produced using a "top-down" modelling approach using the following input datasets: 1. Seabed Substrate (EMODnet Geology) 2. Bathymetry (EMODnet Bathymetry) 3. Light at the Seabed 4. Wave Base (modeled) 5. Biogeographic zone (modelled) 6. Wave energy (modelled) 7. Current energy (modelled) The model, produced in Arc Model Builder (10.1), uses datasets 2 to 5 to determine biological zone, which in combination with seabed substrate and energy data can be used to predict the physical habitat at any one location. In addition, data on salinity at seabed was included in the model, but was not used to determine the final EUNIS habitat class. The study followed the methodology developped within the EUSeaMap 1 project. For more details about this methodology see documents such as the EUSeaMap 1 final report (Cameron and Askew, 2011), Coltman et al., 2008, or Vasquez et al., 2015 The model was created using raster input layers with a cell size of 0.002dd (roughly 250 meters). The model includes the sublittoral zone only; due to the high variability of the littoral zone, a lack of detailed substrate data and the resolution of the model, it is difficult to predict littoral habitats at this scale. The map follows the EUNIS 2007-11 classification system, supplemented by additional categories in deep sea areas and in areas lacking full data. References: Cameron, A., Askew, N. (eds.), 2011. EUSeaMap - Preparatory Action for development and assessment of a European broad-scale seabed habitat map final report. URL: http://jncc.gov.uk/euseamap Coltman, N., Golding, N., Verling, E., 2008. Developing a broadscale predictive EUNIS habitat map for the MESH study area. 16 pp. URL: http://www.searchmesh.net/pdf/MESH%20EUNIS%20model.pdf Vasquez, M., Mata Chacón, D., Tempera, F., O’Keeffe, E., Galparsoro, I., Sanz Alonso, J.L., Gonçalves, J.M.S., Bentes, L., Amorim, P., Henriques, V., McGrath, F., Monteiro, P., Mendes, B., Freitas, R., Martins, R., Populus, J., 2015. Broad-scale mapping of seafloor habitats in the north-east Atlantic using existing environmental data. Journal of Sea Research, MeshAtlantic: Mapping Atlantic Area Seabed Habitats for Better Marine Management 100, 120–132. doi:10.1016/j.seares.2014.09.011

This dataset contains observational frequency maps of internal waves (IW) within the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) region. The maps were generated by automatic processing of the ENVISAT Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) data archive covering the period from 2006 to 2012. The IW frequency maps were combined with bathymetry and mixed layer depth modelling data to estimate the interaction of IWs with the sea bed. The results are presented in monthly, seasonal, annual and climatology maps.

This layer is a predictive EUNIS seabed habitat map for the Adriatic Sea. It was performed within the framework of EMODnet Phase 2 Thematic Lot n┬░ 3 (aka EUSeaMap2). It is a preliminary version which will be refined during the course of the project. The layer was created using two pre-processed input datasets: substrate and biological zone. The seabed substrate type layer was a compendium of historical maps (Emodnet phase 2 Geology lot first release + IBCM map). The biological zones layer, available in this catalog under the title 'Biological zones of the Adriatic Sea', was modeled thanks to layers of bathymetry and light attenuation. The map follows the EUNIS 2007-11 classification system. It does not include the intertidal zone. The study followed the methodology developped within the EUSeaMap project (EMODnet phase 1). For more details about the methodology see EUSeaMap final report (Cameron and Askew, 2011) or Coltman et al., 2008. For more details about the current map see EUSeaMap2 interim report (EMODnet Thematic Lot n┬░ 3, 2014) Cameron, A., Askew, N. (eds.), 2011. EUSeaMap - Preparatory Action for development and assessment of a European broad-scale seabed habitat map final report. URL: http://jncc.gov.uk/euseamap Coltman, N., Golding, N., Verling, E., 2008. Developing a broadscale predictive EUNIS habitat map for the MESH study area. 16 pp. URL: https://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/resources/mesh-archive/. EMODnet Thematic Lot n┬░ 3, 2014. EMODnet Phase 2 - Annual (interim) report. Reporting Period: Sept. 2013 to Aug. 2014. URL: http://www.emodnet-seabedhabitats.eu/pdf/20140909_euseamap2_year1_report.pdf

Special Areas of Conservation sub-features are used to further describe Annex 1 habitats designated within SACs. A process of standardising Annex 1 sub-features corresponding to the EUNIS habitat classification hierarchy was developed, and a standard list of sub-features was then created and defined according to existing EUNIS habitat descriptions and associated biotopes.Subfeatures for SACs are derived from the UK EUNIS level 3 seabed habitat map integrating data originating from surveys and EU SeaMap as part of the Development of a framework for Mapping European Seabed Habitats(MESH) project. Attribution statement: © Natural England copyright. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right [year].

The BGS Seabed Geology: Offshore East Anglia digital map provides detailed and accurate characterisation of the seabed geology, based on seabed and shallow-subsurface data. This dataset incorporates three complementary map components (Substrate Geology, Structural Geology, and Geomorphology), provided as discrete layers for viewing within a Geographic Information System (GIS). The bedrock geology of the mapped area comprises Cretaceous age Chalk Group sedimentary rocks. These rocks crop out extensively at seabed across the southern and central parts of the dataset forming an extensive bedrock platform and Europe’s largest known offshore chalk reef. This reef has been designated the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) owing to the range of unique floral and faunal habitats that it supports. The Chalk Group is covered across the central (partly) and southern parts of the dataset by natural superficial deposits that accreted during the Quaternary. These include preglacial delta bottom-set (Westkapelle Ground Formation) and delta top-set (Yarmouth Roads Formation); and glacial sediments and landforms that were deposited and formed during at least two separate phases of glaciation that inundated parts of the southern North Sea and adjacent East Anglia during the Middle Pleistocene (Anglian / Elsterian) and Late Pleistocene (Late Devensian / Late Weichselian). Collective geological evidence includes extensive areas of out-cropping subglacial till; the presence of largely concealed and infilled over-deepened (>100 m deep) subglacial tunnel valleys, ice-marginal moraines, and a glacially disrupted chalk surface that includes the development of incised meltwater channels, detached and transported glacitectonic bedrock rafts and megablocks. Post-glacial environments from the Late-Pleistocene – Holocene (prior to marine inundation) included fluvial and estuarine deposition, that together with variable infill of late-glacial valleys are included within the Botney Cut Formation. Holocene marine transgression flooded the region, with shallow marine sedimentation active through modern times resulting in the variable cover of unconsolidated marine sediments, as well as the distribution of extensive current-induced bedforms, e.g., sediment banks, sediment waves and fields of mega ripples which are recorded within the Seabed Geomorphology dataset. Each theme is provided as distinct layers for viewing within a Geographic Information System (GIS). The “Substrate Geology” layer shows the distribution of bedrock and unlithified superficial deposits present at the seabed (below a thin veneer of seabed sediments, ‘one-metre principle’ described below) as a series of polygons; The “Structural Geology” layer represents the structural features observed at rockhead as a polylines layer, and “Geomorphology” theme consists of points, polylines, and polygons layers to portray the main seabed morphological and geomorphological features.