Modern multibeam technology – Beyond accurate depth measurements

Every 50 years there are new developments in hydroacoustics. Hundred years ago, Alexander Behm invented the echo sounder, round about fifty years ago General Instruments developed a Sonar Array Sounding System. Today everyone talks about high-resolution Water Column Imaging. The aim is to detect all objects in the water column. However, it’s a hard job for the survey operator to observe the screen. The question is: What is the next big thing? The industry works on an Automatic Object Detector. The article gives an insight in the stage of development and points out the challenges.

Alexander Behm | Bernard Mills | SeaBeam | BOMAS-1 | multibeam echo sounder | WCI – water column imaging | AOD – automatic object detection