3D bathymetric images of the Truong Sa Archipelago (Spratly Islands)

Abstract

This article centers on the creation of three-dimensional (3D) bathymetric images of the Truong Sa Archipelago, utilizing gridded bathymetric data from the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) to unveil the submerged topography of this archipelago. The study’s outcomes provide a comprehensive understanding of 3D bathymetric imaging of the Truong Sa Archipelago, underscoring the research’s significance in unraveling the complex underwater landscape. The importance of this study extends to geopolitical considerations, emphasizing the strategic value of precise bathymetric mapping in resolving territorial disputes. The global interest in the bathymetric and environmental exploration of the Truong Sa Archipelago is highlighted, emphasizing the potential applications of GEBCO bathymetric data at both regional and global scales. The study also reveals prospects in the future for fostering collaboration among sovereign nations within the Truong Sa Archipelago to enhance bathymetric data resolution, thereby creating maps for safe international shipping routes through the archipelago. Consequently, these 3D bathymetric images not only advance scientific understanding but also bear practical implications for maritime navigation, environmental conservation, and geopolitical assessments of this unique maritime region.