Hydrographic Survey in Remote Regions: Using Vessels of Opportunity Equipped with 3-Dimensional Forward-Looking Sonar

ABSTRACT

Areas of the world where the physical environment is relatively unknown in terms of hydrographic surveys and nautical chart content are under pressure from increasing vessel transits as well as tourism and exploration for natural resources. These areas include the Arctic, Antarctic, and even remote tropical regions. Research efforts are described that are intended to exploit the capabilities of commercial off-the-shelf 3-dimensional forward-looking sonar installed on expeditionary and other vessels of opportunity that operate in these regions. This approach can provide high-resolution full-bottom survey data to supplement the assets of national hydrographic survey authorities in exploring and charting these regions.

KEYWORDS:

• Charting
• coastal zone
• digital nautical chart
• mapping
• ocean
• shallow water
• sounding
• surveying

Funding

This work was supported under project 45215 by GMATEK, Inc., of Annapolis, Maryland, USA.