Common Dataset Available for Shallow Survey 2015
Seven sonar systems have been put to the test to prepare a common dataset for ‘Shallow Survey 2015’ - the 7th International Conference on High Resolution Surveys in Shallow Water to be held at Plymouth University, UK, from 14 to 18 September 2015. The international hydrographic community are invited to compare the data and bring their conclusions to the event.
During the summer of 2014 seven sonar systems were put to the test in Plymouth, UK, in preparation for Shallow Survey 2015.
A key element of the conference is the Common Dataset. This is a range of bathymetric and backscatter datasets collected using the latest shallow water survey techniques so that comparisons can be made and the merits of the different approaches judged. To this end, areas were chosen that offered a good variety of depth, seabed type and sub-sea structures. A new target detection test was also devised to ensure that fair comparisons can be made between the object detection capabilities of the systems, and the Royal Navy were able to lay inert mines in the area before the surveys began. The international hydrographic community is invited to compare the data and bring their conclusions to the event. The data can also be used as a valuable training and research tool.
Common Dataset participants included Edgetech and WASSP, who each brought one sonar system, Kongsberg, who tested both beam forming and interferometric systems and Teledyne Reson who ran the trials with three of their sonar systems. The participating systems are listed below.
The dataset and accompanying information is available on a 2TB USB 3 portable hard disk, which can be obtained from the Shallow Survey 2015 web site for GBP85 (the cost of the media and postage).
Papers derived from study of the Common Dataset, as well as other subjects relating to surveying in shallow water are invited for the conference. The closing date for abstracts to be submitted is 1st May 2015.
The full list of the participating systems:
EdgeTech
1. 6205 Combined Bathymetry & Dual Frequency Side Scan Sonar (550/1600kHz).
Kongsberg
2. EM 2040 Dual Receiver Dual Swath
3. Geoaccoutics GeoSwath Plus (to be provided later via website)
Teledyne Reson
4. Seabat 7125 SV2 FP4
5. Seabat T20 FP4
6. Odom MB1
WASSP
7. WASSP WMB-160S Multibeam Sonar
Image: Detailed sonar data from Wembury Bay – used as one of the two locations for the 2015 Common Dataset.
