Image: © GEBCO
The International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (IBCAO) was initiated 1997 and has since been the authoritative source of bathymetry for the Arctic Ocean. In 2017, IBCAO merged its efforts with the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO-Seabed 2030 Project, with the goal of mapping the global seafloor by 2030.
Here we provide information on Version 1 of the IBCAO published in 2001. Please note that this is a historical IBCAO data set has been superceded by the latest release.
The aim of the IBCAO is to develop a digital grid based on all available bathymetric data north of 64° North, for use by mapmakers, researchers, institutions, and others whose work requires a detailed and accurate knowledge of the depth and the shape of the Arctic seabed. Version 4 of the data set is now available download.
The IBCAO grid is used for the Arctic region in the global GEBCO grid. As a part of GEBCO, the work of the IBCAO is endorsed by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).
Bathymetric grids, contours and imagery from IBCAO V1 are available on request. If you would like a copy of the data sets please email the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Global Center at and specify the data set(s) and format(s) that you would like.
For details about the grid compilation and format, see:
6 Mbytes 3.3 MbytesTo note for the data sets: Datum: WGS 84
The IBCAO bathymetric model is not to be used for navigational purposes. The bathymetry in shallow coastal areas, where the coastline is complex, may be significantly distorted because of lack of data and the 2.5 km (Polarsterographic) or 1 min (Geographic) grid resolution. Near shore contours have been removed in areas with sparse source data.
Notes: The polarstereographic maps reach further south than 64°N in one of the corners (53°:49' :1.4687''N). All contours were derived using Intergraphs Terrain Analyst. GMT Color Table
Bathymetric grids and associated data sets for the IBCAO V1 are available on requests in geographic or polar projection co-ordinates. If you would like a copy of the data sets please email the Seabed 2030 Global Center at and specify the data set(s) and format(s) that you would like.
The following data sets, in geographic co-ordinates, are available:
IBCAO 1 x 1 arc-minute interval geographic grid in netCDF-format
Bathymetric contour data in ASCII or DGN format (created using MicroStation/Intergraph MGE)
Bathymetric grids and associated data sets for the IBCAO V1 are available on requests in geographic or polar projection co-ordinates. If you would like a copy of the data sets please email the Seabed 2030 Global Center at and specify the data set(s) and format(s) that you would like.
Please note: Projection: Polarstereographic, True scale 75N; Datum: WGS 84
The following data sets, in polar projection co-ordinates, are available:
IBCAO 2.5 x 2.5 km polar- stereographic grid in netCDF format or Intergraph Terrain Analysts (MTA) format
Bathymetric contour data in ASCII or DGN format (created using MicroStation/Intergraph MGE)