National Seafloor GeoMorphology (NSGM) mapping workshop

Updated: 2026-05-21

Geoscience Australia is leading the development of a scheme to map and classify seabed morphology and geomorphology at multiple spatial scales, for use by a range of disciplines and end-users. Central to the effort is the development of a consistent vocabulary and mapping standard, which is now in draft form as the National Seafloor GeoMorphology (NSGM) mapping scheme. On 29th October 2018 a National Seafloor Geomorphology workshop was held at Geoscience Australia. The workshop was attended by representatives from Commonwealth and State agencies, industry and universities, and had the following objectives: 1. Engage with marine geoscience practitioners: we are seeking feedback and input on the science of the draft NSGM 2. Engage with state agencies: determine how to connect the draft NSGM scheme to the coast (intertidal and shallow subtidal) 3. Reach agreement towards the creation of a standard scheme for seafloor geomorphology mapping in Australia. Coastal and marine researchers and practitioners in sedimentology, geomorphology and ecology, and state and Parks Australia representatives presented their own approaches to mapping the seafloor. Participants also commented on the translation of their own schemes to the draft NSGM scheme, and on the structure and breadth of the NSGM scheme. This feedback and other discussion points are represented later in this summary.