What tools do hydrographers use?

Have you ever wondered how hydrographers are able to create such detailed and accurate nautical charts since the seafloor can’t be easily seen beneath the waves? Mapping the seafloor is very different from mapping Earth’s topography — or the physical features on land. While the location, shape, and size of structures on land can be determined using satellites, drones, or even our own eyes, the characteristics of the seafloor are hidden underwater, making them more difficult to measure and describe.

To solve this challenge, hydrographers rely on a range of impressive tools. These tools help measure water depth, can determine the location of objects on the seafloor, and gather vital information that is used to help keep ships safe as they travel.

This section explores some of the key tools that hydrographers use. Visit the pages in this section to learn more.

• Tools of the trade and hydrographic ships - Explore the equipment hydrographers use in the field, as well as the specially designed ships they use to support their work.
• Sonar - Discover how hydrographers use sound waves to “see” beneath the water, creating detailed maps of the seafloor.

Where this page came from

This page was imported from NOAA National Ocean Service. A lesson from NOAA's National Ocean Service tutorials; as a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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