Side Scan Sonar Survey

Rather than producing a quantitative set of bottom elevations, side-scan sonar surveys provide a standardized array of underwater imagery. For projects that require imagery of the seafloor, side-scan sonar surveys are an excellent option for identifying bottom features such as submerged wrecks, remains of undisturbed infrastructure, exposed geological formations, navigation hazards, and shipwrecks. Additionally, side-scan sonar surveys can be used to monitor the ongoing progress of sensitive underwater construction projects, including safety mattresses, rip-rap, and structural placement.

Like traditional bathymetric surveys, sidescan sonar surveys acquire data that is georeferenced. The image data is post-processed to create image mosaics that emphasize the conditions below and create a nearly seamless image. These image mosaics can be incorporated into a variety of computer-aided design (CAD) and geographic information system (GIS) software, including widely used visualization tools such as Google Earth®, allowing engineers, contractors, and even those with less technical skills to access the data and gain a better understanding of underwater conditions.