Hydrographic charting generally covers the collection of water depths to produce and / or update nautical charts and to locate potential hazards to navigation, such as rocks or sunken vessels. A very high density of depth determination is required, because of the critical importance in locating hazards. Data are typically collected at 2 - 4-meter resolution, using a minimum of 200% coverage. Hydrographic charting is typically performed at a national level by a government organization, such as a navy or hydrographic office.

Applications for Airborne Lidar Bathymetry:
Hydrographic Charting
Ports and Harbor Surveys
Shoreline Mapping
Coastal Zone Management and Environmental Assessment
Rivers, Canals, Lakes and
In-Land Waterways