Two years after the initial release of Denmark's Depth Model (DDM) at a resolution of 50 meters, the Danish Geodata Agency is now ready with an updated edition.
The depth model remains at a resolution of 50 meters, but data from entirely new sources have been integrated into the new version. This means that some of the depth data now also comes from satellites and airborne laser (so-called "Lidar") – particularly, the shallow areas near the coast have been measured using these technologies. In addition, a significant amount of data has been collected through Crowdsourced Bathymetry (CBS), which has contributed to better data coverage, also in deeper waters. An advantage of CSB is that data is collected from ships already operating at sea.
Find the depth model here
Many improvements in the new model
Through the European collaboration EMODnet Bathymetry, it has been possible to create a much better transition at the national marine borders, so that the coverage at the boundary of Denmark's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the new model appears much clearer with better coverage.
Additionally, the amount of interpolated data in the new version has decreased by approximately 5%. This means that the areas where depths were previously determined based on qualified guesses have now been reduced by five percent and replaced with more accurate measurements.
It is not only the amount of data that has increased; it is now also consolidated into a single vertical reference, a so-called datum. In other words, the depths are now more harmonized without large jumps between datasets.
What is it used for?
Like the previous model, this one must not be used for navigation, but why do we need a 50-meter model then?
In addition to being a potential useful tool for planning work at sea – for example, the construction of wind farms, bridges, and tunnels – it is an important instrument when, for instance, storm surge, wave, and climate models need to be created.
Not only it allows you to explore Denmark’s seafloor, it can also be used by a wide range of stakeholders, from students to researchers, public authorities and private companies that need an overview of marine areas and depths.
Find the depth model on our website
You can freely access the depth model on the Danish Geodata Agency's website and on Dataforsyningen. Either by download as a GeoTiff or as an online web service, where you can also activate a shadow map.
In addition to the depth model, there are two additional layers that provide information about the source date. Among other things, you can see when the dataset originates, which can also give an indication of the data quality.
Since the depths in the model are mean depths (i.e., an average depth), the model is in no way suitable for navigation. Here, the Danish Geodata Agency refers to the official nautical charts and marine products