Interpolation Methods and the Accuracy of Bathymetric Seabed Models Based on Multibeam Echosounder Data

In order to make reliable sea bottom visualizations and analyses, accurate bathymetric models are necessary. The authors analyzed the process of GRID model creation using multibeam echosounder data and pointed interpolation methods as important sources of models' errors. In order to assess the accuracy of the model, the simulation technique named virtual survey was applied. A wide range of interpolation methods was examined. The results show significant differences between these methods in terms of accuracy and effectiveness. The choice of the best interpolation methods for various cases is suggested.