Abstract

This paper presents the CUBE (Combined Uncertainty and Bathymetry Estimator) algorithm. Our aim is to take advantage of statistical redundancy in dense Multibeam Echosounder data to identify outliers while tracking the uncertainty associated with the estimates that we make of the true depth in the survey area. We recognise that a completely automatic system is improbable, but propose that significant benefits can still be had if we can automatically process good quality data, and highlight areas that probably need further attention. We outline CUBE and its associated support structures, and apply it to a dataset from Woods Hole, MA, USA. We illustrate CUBE'S output surfaces, show that the algorithm faithfully maintains significant bathymetric detail, and how the algorithm's auxiliary outputs can be used in the decision-making process. Comparison with a selected sounding set shows that CUBE’S outputs agree very well with traditional approaches.

Department

Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping

Publication Date

2003

Volume

4, Number 1

Journal Title

International Hydrographic Review

Pages

53-68

Publisher Place

Lemmers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Publisher

International Hydrographic Organization

Document Type

Journal Article

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