How do you choose the best multibeam echo sounder for your hydrographic survey project?

1 Project objectives

The first thing you need to define is the purpose and scope of your project. What are you trying to achieve with your survey? What kind of data do you need to collect and how accurate and detailed should it be? For example, if you are surveying a shallow coastal zone for habitat mapping, you might need a high-resolution MBES that can cover a wide swath and detect small features. On the other hand, if you are surveying a deep ocean basin for bathymetric charting, you might need a low-frequency MBES that can penetrate deeper and cover a larger area.

2 Environmental conditions

The next thing you need to consider is the physical and biological environment of your survey area. What are the water depth, salinity, temperature, turbidity, and currents? How variable are they over time and space? How much noise and interference are there from other sources, such as ships, marine life, or seismic activities? These factors can affect the performance and quality of your MBES data. For example, if you are surveying a complex terrain with steep slopes, ridges, or canyons, you might need a MBES that can adapt to different angles and compensate for beam refraction and attenuation. If you are surveying a noisy or cluttered environment, you might need a MBES that can filter out unwanted signals and enhance the target signals.

3 Operational constraints

The third thing you need to evaluate is the practical and logistical limitations of your survey operation. What are the availability, capacity, and compatibility of your survey platform, such as a boat, a ship, or an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV)? How much time, budget, and manpower do you have for your survey? How easy or difficult is it to deploy, operate, maintain, and calibrate your MBES? These factors can influence the choice and configuration of your MBES. For example, if you are surveying a remote or inaccessible area, you might need a MBES that can be mounted on a small or unmanned platform and operate autonomously or remotely. If you are surveying a large or dynamic area, you might need a MBES that can be integrated with other sensors and systems, such as positioning, navigation, motion, and tide.

4 Data processing and analysis

The last thing you need to think about is how you will process and analyze your MBES data. What are the software and hardware requirements for your data processing and analysis? What are the standards and protocols for your data quality control and assurance? How will you store, manage, and share your data? How will you visualize, interpret, and communicate your data results? These factors can affect the selection and optimization of your MBES settings and parameters. For example, if you are processing and analyzing your data in real-time or near-real-time, you might need a MBES that can provide fast and reliable data transmission and feedback. If you are processing and analyzing your data for specific purposes or audiences, you might need a MBES that can produce customized or standardized data outputs and formats.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?