New SatLab solution enhances USV-based multibeam surveys
SatLab recently launched the HydroBoat 1200MB, a compact uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) system designed for 3D hydrographic surveying in inland and nearshore waters. The all-in-one solution combines SatLab’s autonomous vessel platform with the HydroBeam M2 multibeam echosounder, offering a portable system that aims to streamline data acquisition in shallow or confined environments.
Developed as a fully integrated unit, the HydroBoat 1200MB brings together navigation, sonar data acquisition, real-time visualization and data management. It is intended to support small teams in conducting geospatial reconnaissance and hydrographic assessments with minimal setup and reduced operational complexity.
Immediate decision-making
According to SatLab, the system supports a seamless workflow from survey planning to final deliverables. An integrated inertial navigation system (INS) provides roll, pitch and yaw measurements without requiring field calibration. Real-time data visualization capabilities allow users to view high-resolution 3D point clouds, bathymetric profiles and sidescan imagery across multiple devices, supporting on-the-fly quality control and immediate decision-making in the field.
The HydroBoat 1200MB also incorporates SatLab’s proprietary SPIN (sound speed profile inversion) technology, enabling real-time sound velocity correction without the need for separate sound velocity profilers.
Operational efficiency is a key focus of the system. It can be deployed in under five minutes and is controlled via an Android-based interface. The multibeam configuration – offering 512 beams and a swath coverage of 30 to 150 degrees – is designed to enable users to cover significantly more area than singlebeam alternatives. SatLab estimates up to a 7.5-fold increase in survey efficiency and potential cost reductions of up to 50%, due to the elimination of auxiliary equipment and simplified field operations.
The HydroBoat 1200MB is positioned for use in a range of applications, including river and reservoir surveys, bank mapping, structural inspections, sediment transport monitoring and infrastructure assessment. It is designed to meet IHO, CHS and USACE standards for data quality.
With the introduction of this system, SatLab is targeting professionals seeking a compact, field-ready solution for high-density underwater mapping in challenging or space-constrained survey environments.
