Protocols for calibrating multibeam sonar.

Computational Challenges in Processing and Analysis of Full-watercolumn Multibeam Sonar Data

Several multibeam sonar systems are now capable of collecting and recording data samples covering the full-watercolumn, not just the seabed. Such systems, while still facing hardware challenges such as limited dynamic range and bandwidth, collect vast quantities of data, generally an order of magnitude more than conventional hydrographic multibeam or scientific single beam sonar systems. In thi...

Benthic habitat mapping using multibeam sonar

Multibeam sonar (MBS) systems are recognised as one of the most effective tools available to map and characterise the seafloor as they can provide co-located high-resolution bathymetry and acoustic backscatter characteristics from a wide swath across a vessel’s track. While the production of bathymetry maps from MBS is well developed, processing and analysis of MBS backscatter data has not yet ...

Hierarchical spline technique application for real time 3D displaying of seafloor using multibeam sonar data

Geophysical Techniques for Maritime Archaeological Surveys

Over the last ten years, the high-resolution marine geophysical survey field has witnessed significant advances in survey investigation equipment. New equipment is based on acoustic, optical, electrical, and magnetic sensors. This paper will focus on the use of quantitative acoustic methods for the high-resolution mapping of the seafloor for archaeological heritage management. In particular mul...

Remote estimation of surficial seafloor properties through the application Angular Range Analysis to multibeam sonar data

The variation of the backscatter strength with the angle of incidence is an intrinsic property of the seafloor, which can be used in methods for acoustic seafloor characterization. Although multibeam sonars acquire backscatter over a wide range of incidence angles, the angular information is normally neglected during standard backscatter processing and mosaicking. An approach called Angular Ran...