What term describes the measurement of ocean depths and the charting of the ocean floor?

The term that specifically refers to the measurement of ocean depths and the charting of the ocean floor is bathymetry. This process involves collecting data about the seafloor's depth and topography, which is essential for various applications including navigation, marine biology, and oceanography. Bathymetric surveys utilize techniques such as sonar to map underwater features, providing crucial information about the shapes, structures, and depths of the ocean floor.

Other terms listed relate to different technologies or concepts. LIDAR is primarily used for land surveying and can measure the distance to objects using laser light, but it is not specifically focused on underwater measurements. The Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) is a method used to represent terrain in a three-dimensional vector format and is not limited to oceanic studies. Remote sensing encompasses a broader field that includes collecting data from a distance through various technologies but is not exclusively about measuring ocean depths. Thus, bathymetry is the correct term that directly aligns with the focus on measuring and charting the ocean floor.