Underwater vegetation detection in high frequency Sonar images: A preliminary approach

Abstract

This paper describes tests carried out on sector-scan sonar images acquired by a high frequency acoustic device. Trials were performed on low reflective targets such as marine vegetation living on the sea bottom in shallow sea waters. The imaging process is performed by placing side by side the scanlines, with the assumption of a sufficient correlation between two successive scanlines, even if the acoustic transducer rotates and the vehicle carrying the head moves forward along its path. The selected approach is mainly based on non-linear and morphological operators. Results are shown, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach.