Shallow Water Mapping & Imaging System

Utilizing the CAATI methodology, each backscatter arrival is given a range and angle value relative to the sonar head. These raw data points can then be visualized in a point cloud display, resulting in a geometrically correct 3D representation of a standard 2D side scan image. This point cloud can be rotated and manipulated to provide 3D views of object geometry in side scan imaging detail. This greatly enhances the capability for detection and identification of targets, and allows for easy measurement of target dimensions. Tools for displaying the 3D point cloud and measuring target dimensions are included in PingDSP's software suite.

To the left is a target of interest in both traditional and 3D side scan views. With the ability to colorize and rotate the 3D perspective, the true structure of the target is easily revealed.

3DSS technology supplements multibeam echo sounders (MBES) in shallow water by providing wider coverage together with 3D imagery. 3DSS technology also supercedes interferometric phase based sonars by separating seabed returns from sea surface, water column and multipath interference to provide clean and accurate bathymetry together with stunning 3D and 2D imagery.

For shallow water hydrography, the 3DSS Sonar is simply the best and most versatile mapping and imaging sonar available.