Multibeam echosounder simulator applying noise generator for the purpose of sea bottom visualisation

Abstract

Hydroacoustic data form almost the only basis for seabed imaging [1]. The accuracy of scanning devices is therefore crucial for the reliability of the images. In the paper, the precision of the Simrad EM3000 multibeam echosounder was examined by means of statistical methods on real data. The maximum and mean errors were estimated, the correlation of error value and angle between the beam and the vertical line could be observed as well. The results of the experiments will help to increase the accuracy of terrain modeling of the sea bottom what will result in more realistic visualizations.The results of those experiments were implemented in the multibeam echosounder simulator. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.