Qatari Startup launches rapid AI engine for satellite-derived coastal mapping

Doha-based deep-tech startup Darkocean has unveiled NAVBathy, a Rapid Satellite-Derived Bathymetry (SDB) engine that can generate large-scale coastal depth models in seconds, significantly accelerating how marine and coastal projects are planned and risk-assessed.

AI-powered bathymetry at scale

NAVBathy combines multi-source satellite imagery from platforms such as NASA missions, WorldView, Maxar, Landsat and SPOT with Darkocean’s proprietary AI and machine-learning models. This integrated stack allows the system to rapidly process vast datasets and deliver consistent, high-resolution relative depth maps for coastal and shallow-water regions.

Early demonstrations indicate that NAVBathy can map about 70% of Qatar’s coastline and more than 100 kilometres of adjacent waters within moments, providing an immediate overview of seabed features, shallow channels and potential risk areas for engineers, planners and operators.

From weeks of surveys to instant digital workflows

Traditionally, bathymetric data relies on ship-based sonar or airborne surveys that are expensive, time-consuming and limited in coverage. NAVBathy compresses this into a near-instant digital workflow, enabling users to conduct early-stage screening, route planning and environmental assessments before commissioning detailed field surveys.

Darkocean is positioning NAVBathy as part of a broader digital geophysics suite that also includes geophysical mapping, underwater object detection and geotechnical interpretation for marine and terrestrial projects. The tools are designed to run on standard laptops, tablets and mobile phones, reducing dependence on high-performance computing.

Tokenized access, APIs and investor interest

Access to NAVBathy will be offered through the Darkocean AI platform via a mix of free and paid Pro subscriptions, with tokenized access and API integrations allowing third-party platforms, engineering offices and government agencies to embed bathymetry capabilities directly into their own systems.

The launch has already drawn interest from venture capital firms in the US and Europe, while Darkocean is also exploring collaboration with local institutions and regional investors. The startup has been accepted into the Web Summit Startup Programme, where it will showcase NAVBathy as a scalable coastal intelligence solution for governments, developers and researchers worldwide.