Digital elevation models (DEMs), including bathymetric models, are an essential component of geographic information systems (GIS) database for many purposes. GIS make it possible to create multiple layers characterizing different features of sea bottom and applying powerful tools of spatial data analysis and GIS mapping for practical purposes in marine geology and geomorphology, and also in cartography, palaeogeography, geoecology, hydroacoustics, etc. Digital elevation models of Barents and White seas are created from nautical charts of different scales. Isobaths (depth contours) on these charts were drawn manually from geologic, geomorphologic, and supplementary information (most recent at the time of map creation); theoretical views on landform genesis, its structural belonging, palaeogeographic conditions and recent development features were also taken into account. Digitized depth contours were interpolated to the medium-resolution (100-200 m) gridded DEM. The original interpolation algorithm, proposed by authors, was used; this algorithm processes contours as vector objects, which allows to preserve all shape features delineated by initial isobaths. Comparison of DEM elevation with echo sounding data shows good similarity between elevation values.

Nikiforov Sergey, Doctor of Geographic Sciences, Chief Researcher, Head of Lab. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (IO RAS). IORAS, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow, 117997, Russia. E-mail: nikiforov@ocean.ru.

Koshel Sergey, Candidate of Geographic Sciences, Leading Researcher faculty of Geography Lomonosov Moscow State University, senior scientist Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (IO RAS). IORAS, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow, 117997, Russia. E-mail: skoshel@mail.ru.

Libina Nataliya, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, senior scientist Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (IO RAS). IORAS, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow, 117997, Russia. E-mail: lnatvit@mail.ru.

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