Research in hydrographic technology at the Norwegian continental shelf institute (IKU)

Abstract

There is tremendous need for an acceleration in the rate of topographical mapping of the seafloor offshore Norway. However, the main limiting factor is the lack of adequate technology. The Continental Shelf Institute has followed up this conclusion, which came from a pilot project accomplished by the SEAMAP group in 1979. A research program in hydrographic technology was set up at IKU, including projects on positioning and navigation, acoustical hydrography, optical hydrography, and ocean dynamics. A short description is given here of some of the projects: absolute positioning of a transponder on the seafloor, development of topographical side‐scan sonar, laser bathymetry, underwater photogrammetry, remote sensing of water depth and water quality, and analysis of tidal station data along the Norwegian coast.