19 June 2001
AUTONOMOUS BATHYMETRY SURVEY SYSTEM
B. Bourgeois
Naval Research Laboratory
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-5004
A. Martinez
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
P. Alleman J. Cheramie J. Gravley
C&C Technologies, Inc.
Lafayette, LA
Abstract
This paper discusses the Autonomous Bathymetry Survey System (AutoSurvey), a system that provides automation of swath sonar bathymetric surveys. This system enables faster surveying of an area through environmentally adaptive techniques while ensuring adequate coverage and data quality. AutoSurvey assesses data quality and coverage in real-time and generates next-trackline way-points based on actual system performance. The need for real-time performance assessment is discussed. A primary factor considered is the effect of the environment on swath bathymetry system performance, which is difficult to predict a-priori. The system's features, design and implementation are discussed in this paper. Simulation and sea trial results are presented, as well as an analysis of the system's ability to reduce survey time.
Sponsored by the Oceanographer of the Navy.
Published in
the IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, October 1999.
Naval Research Laboratory Contribution Number NRL/JA/7442 98-0014.
Journal Article