Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating 3D data of an object, in particular for the generation of underwater maps. This method comprises the following steps: provision of two-dimensional image data of the surface of the object, such as e.g. the bottom of a body of water, together with reference information provision of a three-dimensional relief map of a predetermined area of the object or of the bottom of a body of water, and mapping of the two-dimensional image data as texture on the three-dimensional relief map by means of the reference information.