Ocean depth can now be measured by satellites

Today’s Video of the Day from the European Space Agency (ESA) describes a revolutionary project that will map the depth of the ocean floor using satellites.

For the first time, water depth data will be made instantly accessible through a portal for anyone that needs it, which will be useful in a wide range of applications.

According to the ESA, the data is gathered by low-orbiting satellites equipped with sensors that can record and measure light as it is reflected off the seabed. The mapping information in the portal will be continuously updated as the satellites fly over the water.

The technology has been developed by TCarta with funding from the ESA.

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

Video Credit: European Space Agency