Bathymetric data is important for producing navigation products (such as nautical charts) and for the advancement of many important Earth sciences. For example, a detailed knowledge of global bathymetry is a prerequisite for mapping the oceans and for understanding how the earths global systems interact. The shape of the ocean basins, ridges and mountains influence the flow of sea water carrying heat, salt, nutrients, and pollutants. They also influence the propagation of energy from undersea seismic events that result in potential disasters such as tsunamis.  Although 71 % of the Earth surface is covered by water, the world´s oceans remain poorly mapped.

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