The INtegrated Mapping FOr the Sustainable Development of Ireland's MArine Resource (INFOMAR) programme is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI). The programme is the successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) and concentrates on creating integrated mapping products related to the seabed.
Many rocks have a magnetic component and this magnetic field can be measured by a magnetometer towfish.
These maps are used to aid in the production of geological maps and are also commonly used during mineral exploration.
Man Made objects containing iron and other metals will also produce a magnetic field, so the magnetometer can also be used to detect shipwrecks and debris on the ocean floor.
Magnetics Data is collected during some surveys.