Habitat Mapping

In the move towards sustainability in the coastal zone, planners and environmental decision makers need a good understanding of the character and spatial distribution of coastal habitats. Mangroves and saltmarshes are examples of coastal habitats that are visible from land. Data derived from shallow water benthic habitat mapping techniques can provide fascinating insights into habitats occurring underwater, and have led to the discovery of submerged coral reefs and other features. Merged bathymetric and topographic Digital Elevation Models (in the format of 3D models) of the coast and shelf offer an exciting new perspective in which to view this dynamic environment, which has experienced major fluctuations in climate and sea level during the last few thousand years.

Make maps of habitats dominated by: mangroves, salt marsh, seagrass, coral, rock, sediment and unconsolidated substrates Interactive Habitat Extent and Distribution
Mapping Interface
Make maps of habitats dominated by:
mangroves, salt marsh, seagrass,
coral, rock, sediment and
unconsolidated substrates.
The Coastal Habitat Resources Information System (CHRIS) Portal to the Coastal Habitat Resources Information System (CHRIS)
(Queensland Government)
Interactive maps, Metadata, Commercial catch data, Recreational fishing data

Coastal water habitat mapping toolkit

Introduction; Benthic habtat mapping; Techniques; Case studies; Decision tree
Benthic habtat mapping: Mapping overview, How to describe habitats
Techniques: Single beam sounders, Multibeam and swath echosounders, Aerial Photography
Case studies: Abrolhos, Bowling Green Bay, Cape Byron Marine Park, Cockburn Sound, Fitzroy River/Keppel Bay, Marmion Marine Park, Moreton Bay, Parks Victoria, Recherche Archipelago, Sydney

Regional mapping studies

NSW marine habitat NSW marine habitat
Executive summary, Technical reports, Fact sheets, Habitat types, 3-D visualisations, Associated reports.
Mangroves and coastal saltmarsh of Victoria Mangroves and coastal saltmarsh of Victoria
Distribution, condition, threats and management

Interactive 3D models

Back to top of page

  • Link to the Geoscience Australia website (new window)
  • the former Coastal CRC
  • Link to the National Land and Water Resource home page (new window)
  • Link to Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW home page (new window)