Post-processed and mosaicked multibeam echosounder data near Qikiqtarjuaq, NU, Canada.

• Main Authors: Bell, Trevor, Misiuk, Benjamin, Aitken, Alec, Edinger, Evan
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Cryospheric Information Network 2017
• Subjects: Benthic surveys; Mapping; Marine ecology; Marine sediments; Multibeam; Qikiqtarjuaq; Seabed; ArcticNet Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada; Arctic; Canada; Nunavut; ArcticNet; University of Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5884/12844; https://www.polardata.ca/pdcsearch/?doi_id=12844

Multibeam echosounder data near Qikiqtarjuaq were collected by the CCGS Amundsen in 2007 and by the RV Nuliajuk from 2012-2015. Data collected between 2007 and 2014 were processed by the Ocean Mapping Group at the University of New Brunswick (http://www.omg.unb.ca/) and were retrieved from their data sharing interface (http://www.omg.unb.ca/Projects/Arctic/SE_Baffin/). Data collected in 2015 were processed by the Fisheries and Marine Institute at Memorial University of Newfoundland (https://www.mi.mun.ca/) and were obtained directly from them. These datasets were clipped to only include the area near Qikiqtarjuaq relevant to the benthic habitat mapping project lead by the Memorial University Marine Habitat Mapping Group. Individual datasets were mosaicked to create single continuous bathymetry (m) and backscatter (dB) raster layers at 5 m resolution. Mapping activities were funded by ArcticNet and the Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment, Fisheries and Sealing Division to support benthic habitat mapping for marine ecosystem management in this area. : Purpose: Multibeam echosounder (MBES) data were mosaicked from multiple survey years and vessels to create single, continuous rasters for benthic habitat mapping applications. The collation of individual datasets into one single continuous layer facilitates their use for benthic habitat mapping applications. These data were restricted to the area near Qikiqtarjuaq to focus on generating knowledge of benthic habitats to support management of marine resources near the community. : Summary: Sonar data from various sources were compiled to produce a single dataset for the area near Qikiqtarjuaq, NU, Canada. This dataset was created for benthic habitat mapping analysis near Qikiqtarjuaq to support the management of marine resources and guide marine spatial planning.