Date of Award

Spring 2009

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Ocean Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Christian P de Moustier

Abstract

The L-3 Klein 5410 sidescan sonar system acquires acoustic backscatter imagery and bathymetry data. A bathymetry uncertainty model was developed for this sonar to predict its performance against hydrographic standards set by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Elements of the model not specific to this sonar were adapted from existing uncertainty models, and the remainder was calculated by comparing the 5410 bathymetry with a reference surface obtained from multibeam echosounder data. The sonar's angular uncertainty was solved for different bottom types with best results obtained over sandy bottoms, where, after removal of some system biases, the bathymetry met standards for hydrographic surveys Order 1 from 30° to 75° from nadir. The model predicts that the total propagated uncertainty at 20-m altitude meets IHO standards over a swath width equal to seven times the water-depth, with a central gap one water-depth wide for an ideal 5410.

Download

Share

COinS