The work is carried out using a modern Norbit iWBMSe NT (Integrated Wideband Multibeam Sonar Entry Level Narrow Transmit) multibeam sonar. This integrated wideband system is specifically designed for demanding hydrographic applications, providing a resolution capable of detecting objects as small as 10–15 cm.
Curved Transducer Array
High Resolution
Stabilization
Sound Velocity Profiling (SVP)
Software: Teledyne PDS (Acquisition & Processing).
Curved Transducer Array
Enables scanning not only of the seabed directly beneath the vessel but also of vertical surfaces (such as quay walls) up to the waterline in a single pass, without the need to tilt the sensor. The curved coverage sector ranges from 5° to 210°, providing high point density (up to 512 beams).
High Resolution
The 400 kHz operating frequency (range 200–700 kHz) with a 0.9° × 0.9° beamwidth, and the 700 kHz mode with a 0.5° × 0.5° beamwidth, ensure extremely high point density. This allows the detection of even very small features (Resolution across × along: 0.9° × 0.9° @ 400 kHz; 0.5° × 0.5° @ 700 kHz) and provides highly detailed imagery in both deep and shallow water. Range resolution is <10 mm.
Stabilization
The built‑in Inertial Navigation System (INS) compensates for vessel roll, ensuring accurate data collection even in rough sea conditions (GNSS/INS system includes two Trimble 540AP antennas integrated with the Applanix SurfMaster OEM module).
Sound Velocity Profiling (SVP)
Sound velocity measurements are performed using dedicated probes with discrete water‑column profiling, such as the Hydrotech SVP1500 and Valeport miniSVP.
Software: Teledyne PDS (Acquisition & Processing).
