Dataset

The oceans remain one of Earth’s last great unknowns, with about 74% still unmapped to modern standards. Consequently, interpolation is employed to create seamless digital bathymetric models (DBMs) from incomplete hydrographic datasets, but this introduces unqualified depth uncertainties. This study aims to estimate and characterize uncertainties arising from set-line spacing hydrographic surveys, which are important for nautical charting, navigational safety, and many other fields. By sampling four complete coverage testbeds that vary in slope and roughness at different line spacings, the study interpolates using Spline, Inverse Distance Weighting, and Linear interpolation. The resulting interpolation uncertainties are evaluated from both scientific and operational perspectives. Linear regression and machine learning techniques are used to model the relationship between these uncertainties and three ancillary parameters (distance to the nearest measurement, slope, and roughness) for interpolation uncertainty quantification. Results show operational equivalence among the three interpolators, the impact of line spacing and morphology on uncertainty, and the statistical significance of the examined uncertainty predictors. However, the relationships between the combined ancillary parameters and interpolation uncertainty are weak. These findings suggest the presence of unaccounted-for factors influencing uncertainty, yet provide a foundational understanding for improving uncertainty estimates in DBMs within operational settings.

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