Small aperture swath bathymetry sonar and applications

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The theme of this work is the continued research and development of core sonar technology that makes the survey of oceans and lakes less expensive, easier, and faster, while maintaining or improving accuracy.  The motivation for this research originated from an industrial requirement for a bathymetric sonar that would fit on a small autonomous underwater vehicle.  Success in the research has resulted in patented core sonar technology that has a broad range of applications including swath bathymetry, 3D bottom imaging, acoustic fences, obstacle avoidance, and 3D sector-scan.  The sonar technology is currently licensed for swath bathymetry and look-ahead applications, and a swath bathymetry product is on the market.  The research program now seeks to study the properties of high frequency bottom reverberation and thereby apply the unique capabilities of the core sonar technology to bottom classification and improved target detection for surveillance applications.  In addition to extending the applications, the research program also plans to exploit the sonar technology's capability of being small by researching and developing a small version that will be less expensive and more easily deployed.  It is intended that this small version will place this effective sonar technology within reach of more potential users and therefore precipitate a major shift in survey instrumentation.  The research program provides training for undergraduate and graduate students, and other research personnel in approaches, methods and skills associated with effective and responsible underwater engineering.