An Empirical Study of the Influence of Seafloor Morphology on the Uncertainty of Bathymetric Data

Abstract The estimation of the uncertainty related to bathymetric data is essential in determining the quality of the data acquisition. This estimation is based on the covariance propagation considering the classical sounding georeferencing model. The estimation of the uncertainty using the Total Propagated Uncertainty (TPU) model is well described in the literature. Developing on this model, this study introduces an analysis of the morphological influence of the seafloor on the uncertainty value of the sounded points. Advancing the comprehension of the influence of the seafloor on the uncertainty value of the bathymetric data would improve the processing and interpretation of the seafloor surface as well as the structures present on the seafloor.