Side Scan Sonar

Side Scan Sonar is a category of sonar systems used to create an image of the ocean floor. This image can be of very high quality, and can discern objects within the scan area with clarity, regardless of the murkiness of the water. The scan is done by a “tow fish”, or using a side mounted transducer, which is positioned in the water off the side of the survey vessel. The tow fish sends and receives soundwaves, which are then processed by a computer.

THE USES OF SIDE SCAN SONAR SURVEY

Side scan sonar imaging is a very useful tool when you need detailed images of the seabed. We deliver a wide range of options when it comes to in depth underwater inspections.  Scour and erosion damage around marine based infrastructure is easy to spot when side scan sonar surveys are done. This is a tool that uses acoustic imaging to capture bottom details even when there is little-to-no visibility.  Images can be georeferenced and draped over the contours of a bathymetry chart. Often times it is used in conjunction with a high-quality bathymetric survey. 

APPLICATIONS OF SIDE SCAN SONAR

Due to the precision of Side Scan Sonar, it has versatility in its usage. When collecting side scan sonar data in Maldives we come across various challenges including rapidly fluctuating depths within lagoons and open channels. For this reason we acquired both hull mounted and towed transducers for side scan sonar surveys to be able to collect data in any situation or condition.

• Creation of nautical charts

• Locating and identifying underwater objects

• Detecting debris/hazards/obstructions in an area

• Investigating the status of man-made structures

• Locating and identifying sediments and their properties

OUR SIDE SCAN SONAR CAPABILITIES

KONGSBERG EA440

The EA440 is a new hydrographic multi frequency echo sounder with wide band technology. The EA440 has been developed for use in shallow to medium depth waters. A variety of highly efficient transducers including side scan sonar works with the EA440 system seemlessly. The system supports both portable and hull-mounted side scan, and sub-bottom light for shallow waters. The operating software is in accordance with the new KONGSBERG standard MMI and it has an easy and intuitive user interface with extensive display capabilities. The user friendly and stable acquisition software provided by Kongsberg marine allows our clients to monitor the data live and spot any targets onboard our survey vessel in real time.

STARFISH 450F

The StarFish range has gained worldwide recognition as the most compact towed side scan sonars for the professional underwater survey industry. The full-body, three-fin, hydrodynamic design of the StarFish systems works best when we have to carry out shallow water side scan sonar surveys. The unique shape of the StarFish system dramatically improves the stability of the sonar and consequently the quality of the images it produces. Furthermore, the advanced digital CHIRP acoustic techniques used by StarFish systems offer a really good range resolution.

A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE SEABED