Part 2

Bathymetric
Maps and
What They
Tell Us
About Lakes

Amy Richard
hen planning a trip to unfamiliar map depending on the number of depth measure-
W territory, the first thing many of us will
do is reach for a map of the area. If
ments taken. To put it simply, the more depth
measurements one is able to record, the more
traveling by car, one might use a road map. accurate the map will be.
However, if traveling “off road,” a topographic It’s also important to note that the outermost
map would be especially helpful as it would contour line, as well as the rest of a lake’s
provide details about the actual terrain such as bathymetry, is subject to change depending on
distances and elevations of mountain ranges, as rainfall patterns and resulting lake levels.
well as the location of rivers and streams. Bathymetric maps are the primary
Bathymetric maps are similar to topographic method used to describe a lake’s
maps, in that they provide details about the physical characteristics.
terrain of a landscape. In the case of a bathymetric
Once we have a bathymetric map, we can
map, the terrain that is described is underwater.
calculate several measurements that are crucial
As you can see in Figure 2-1 on page 7,
to understanding how a lake system functions,
a bathymetric map is generally depicted as a
including surface area, maximum length, mean
grouping of concentric contour lines, with the
width, maximum width, mean depth, maximum
outermost contour line representing the shoreline
depth, shoreline length, shoreline development,
of the lake at a given point in time. Lines within
and volume. These measurements are discussed in
the map are obtained by recording water depths
greater detail in Part 3.
throughout the lake and connecting the recorded
points of equal water depth. Contour lines drawn See Part 3 Commonly Measured Morphometric
close together indicate rapid changes in water Features and What They Tell Us About Lakes on
depth and lines that are far apart indicate water page 10 for detailed information about these features.
depths that change gradually.
The contour lines are only estimates of
The following are a few examples of how
water depth between two points of a known
bathymetric maps may be useful to scientists or
depth. There may be discrepancies in any given
anyone interested in learning more about a lake:

6
 Anatomy of a Bathymetric Map
Figure 2-1 below is an example of a bathymetric map made by
LAKEWATCH staff.
Notice how the outermost line delineates the lake’s shoreline. Lines within that outline are
called contour lines. They are obtained by recording water depths throughout the lake and
connecting the recorded points of equal water depth.
Contour lines drawn close together indicate rapid changes in water depth and lines that are
far apart indicate water depths that change gradually. All of these contour lines are estimates of water
depth and so there may be discrepancies in any given map depending on the number of depth mea-
surements taken to make the map. A general rule of thumb: the more depth measurements one is
able to record, the more accurate the map will be.
It’s also important to note that the map shown here documents the bathymetry of Lake
Jackson for one particular date in time. Based on weather conditions, etc., the bathymetry of the
lake is susceptible to change. For example, during a period of drought, it’s likely that the lake’s
surface area could “shrink” in which case the outermost contour line and each of the depth
contour lines would change right along
with the water levels.

A well-made bathymetric
map will usually include:
A The name, county and geographic
location of the waterbody;
B An outline of the lake shoreline,
drawn to a known scale;
C Depth contour lines drawn at
known intervals;
D Symbol indicating geographic
orientation (i.e., north);
E Name of the mapmakers and date.
While the map shown here
is not designed for navigation
purposes, it can be used to
calculate important morphometric
features of a lake such as:
surface area, maximum length, mean
length, maximum width, mean width,
maximum depth, mean depth, shoreline
length, shoreline development, and
volume.
Figure 2-1

7
 Joe Richard
Local residents of Lake Alice in Gainesville, Florida.

♦ Lake surface area can be calculated from a

See Shoreline Development on pages 18 .
bathymetric map. This measurement determines
the size of the lake and is usually expressed in ♦ Mention bathymetric maps to an angler and he
acres or hectares. or she is likely to get starry-eyed at the prospect
For more on this, see Part 3 Commonly Measured of finding a fishing “hotspot.” Anglers use these
Morphometric Features on page 10. maps to spot areas where lake depth changes
rapidly; they know that larger predatory fish can
♦ Bathymetric maps can be used to help calculate often be found there.
lake volume, which is usually expressed in acre-
feet or cubic meters. Making a bathymetric map
Making a bathymetric map can be a simple
See Hypsographic curves on page 12, Volume on
page 15, and Appendix B on pages 31- 32.
process or a complex one. LAKEWATCH uses a
technique that is somewhere in between. Regard-
less of their complexity, a well made bathymetric
♦ Bathymetric maps can also be used to calculate
map generally consists of a line drawing of the
average depth, which can help predict biological
shoreline, to scale, along with depth measurements
productivity (i.e., shallow lakes tend to be more
taken at different areas of the lake.
productive than deep lakes).
♦ Using the scale provided in a bathymetric map, See Anatomy of a Bathymetric Map on page 7.
one can calculate fetch distances from all directions.
Beyond that, the amount of detail in a
See Fetch on page 19. bathymetric map depends on the amount of
time and effort expended in making it, as well
♦ The irregularity of a lake’s shoreline, as
as consideration of its intended use. For example,
depicted by bathymetric maps, can tell us much
some bathymetric maps are designed for navi-
about a lake’s potential for biological habitat
gation, requiring many, many data points or
(i.e., its ability to support animals such as fish,
depth measurements.
birds, alligators, etc.).

8
Complex bathymetric maps are Simple bathymetric maps can be
constructed by completing a survey of the made by sketching a general outline of a lake
shoreline using standard surveying methods and basin and then measuring and recording water
then combining the survey with electronically depths at a number of locations within the lake.
measured water depths at known locations The more depth measurements one is able
throughout the lake. Lake water levels, in relation to record, the more accurate the map will be.
to mean sea levels, are often represented. Water depths can be measured with an electronic
Water depth readings are collected with an depth recorder or something as basic as a
electronic depth recorder (a.k.a. fathometer) and weighted line, marked in increments of feet or
simultaneously linked with global positioning meters.
system (GPS) coordinates.10 The procedure is This approach can be used by anyone with
repeated numerous times on the lake, generally a boat and can be a valuable exercise, especially
following a grid pattern. This type of mapping for those who live on or frequently use a lake.
procedure allows for more data points to be While these maps may not be appropriate
recorded and is considered to be very accurate. for navigation purposes, they are perfectly
It’s important to point out however that not adequate for developing aquatic plant management
all bathymetric maps provide lake level data in strategies or planning a fishing trip.
relation to mean sea level (MSL). LAKEWATCH
10 This type of system utilizes satellite technology to
bathymetric maps, for example, provide data only
determine one’s geographic location.
for one point in time and not in relation to MSL.

LAKEWATCH Bathymetric Maps

E very summer since 1996, LAKEWATCH

staff work with students and volunteers
to create bathymetric maps for a limited
number of LAKEWATCH lakes. The maps
are designed to compliment LAKEWATCH
data on individual lakes, providing a snapshot
of the lake’s bathymetry at a given time, and at
a minimum of cost and effort.
LAKEWATCH uses a technique that
involves the use of Global Positioning (GPS)
equipment in coordination with a depth recorder
(i.e., echosounding equipment). The depthfinder
is used for recording actual lake depth measure-
ments, while the GPS equipment simultaneously
determines and records the location of each depth
measurement. Bathymetric maps are completed
Amy Richard

with a computer software program that merges

the information together and “draws” the lake’s
contours.
A good number of these bathymetric See Figure 2-1 on page 7 for an example
maps (200+) are available on the Florida of a LAKEWATCH Bathymetric map.
LAKEWATCH web site:
http://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu