2020: Acoustic Imaging – Optimising Swath Mapping Performance

Jan 2020 – Acoustic Imaging and Manufacturer Independent Optimisation of Swath Mapping Systems

Less of a ‘new project’ and better described as a ‘lifelong learning and evolution’;  Acoustic Imaging has been addressing the in-shore, near-shore and off-shore challenges of swath mapping on small vessels in dynamic conditions on a mobile seabed for more than 20 years.  Our independent performance testing regime has been proven to increase mapping time efficiencies, decrease users errors, map system degradation through baselining functionality and provide better outcomes for users and their desired application.

Our service aims to:

• ensure swath mapping sonar and ancillary systems are installed calibrated and configured appropriately for system application
• establish real operational constraints and testing beyond standard regulatory system checks
• create a set of operational guidelines that ensure the tested system is operated in a manner suitable to meet the desired outcome of your group
• examine functionality and baseline performance of the system
•  be independent of manufacturer bias
• maximise the likelihood that any dataset will be suitable for the desired outcome.

From pre-assessment discussion with users we capture a range of use cases; a desktop study follows in which we compute a range of possible performance parameters; system installation (if required), or assessment of bias in installation and correction through engineering or derivation of appropriate parameters follows and results in a set of baseline calibration parameters that are a direct reflection of the hardware installed on the vessel.  Once established performance testing covers a full range of application relative to the user priorities for bathymetry, backscatter, water-column, water-levels, seafloor and subseafloor data within the range of environmental, operational, depth, temperature, vessel speeds, transit speed and required rate-of-progress, resolution or biogenic, sedimentary, navigation and charting, infrastructure & engineering or opportunistic mapping during transit applications.

Most importantly we involve the users in the process and training takes places throughout and following the evaluation.  The rewards for users extend beyond a well-performing system, developments in space-based positioning in acoustics and in our understanding of how best to apply these to Australia continues to grow.  We enjoy sharing that knowledge.

To talk to us please contact us at info@acousticimaging.com.