SONAR EQUIPMENT
Marine scientists, oceanographers, cartographers, and archaeologists have used sonar technologies for years. OceanGate is helping to make recent imaging breakthroughs even more valuable to researchers by using these new techologies in ways that have never been done before for undersea surveys.
What is Sonar?
Sonar (originally an acronym for “SOund Navigation And Ranging”) is a system of technologies that uses echo-sounders to create underwater images. Standard side-scan sonars generate images by stitching together swaths of data points collected while being towed behind a surface vessel or submarine (colloquially known as “mowing the lawn”). Multi-beam systems can create detailed images while stationary. Depending on the frequency used, sonar can cover large areas or provide extremely fine image resolution, and they can be combined with other imaging technologies such as LIDAR (“LIght Detection And Ranging”) and LADAR (“LAser Detection And Ranging”) to create 3D models of underwater objects.
Benefits:
- Allows for ROV and submarine operations in near zero visibility conditions.
- Effective means of mapping large areas of sea floor and creating bathymetric models.
- High resolution systems aid in marine life detection and identification.
- Power output less than fetal ultrasound protects sealife.
BlueView 2D Imaging Sonar
BlueView’s 2D forward looking sonars are capable of creating high quality imagery of an underwater environment in front of moving platforms such as ROVs, submarines, and surface vessels. OceanGate currently uses:
| P450-45 | 450Khz, 45 degree field of view |
| P900-130 | 900Khz, 130 degree field of view |
BlueView 3D MicroBathymetry
BlueView’s MicroBathymetry (MB) sonar systems produce ultra-high resolution 3D data of underwater areas, objects, and structures. The MB systems can be used from ROVs, submarines, or surface vessels.
| MB1350-45 | 1.35Mhz |
| MB2250-45 | 2.25Mhz |