What is one of the main uses of seabed mapping?

Seabed mapping is crucial for a variety of applications, one of which is mapping water depth in and around a harbour. This is essential for ensuring safe navigation for vessels, as it allows for the assessment of water depth at different points and times, taking into account tidal variations and other factors. Accurate depth data helps prevent groundings or collisions, which can lead to significant safety and economic risks. Additionally, having precise bathymetric maps ensures that the harbour can accommodate various types of vessels, from fishing boats to large cargo ships, and enables effective management of the marine environment and infrastructure associated with the harbour.

While determining fish migration patterns, analyzing climate change effects, and predicting organic sedimentation rates are also important aspects of marine studies, they are less directly associated with the primary function of seabed mapping focused on ensuring navigational safety and operational efficiency in harbours.