Multibeam seabed topographic classification

The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) conducts military oceanographic surveys that provide environmental products to the U.S. Navy. To meet these requirements, all NAVOCEANO survey ships have transitioned from single-beam echosounders to both shallow- and deep-water multibeam sonar systems. Digital seabed classification technology has proven successful with single-beam sonar systems. The vast efficiency achieved with multibeam systems necessitates the transition to a multibeam seabed classification system. This paper describes the adaptation of a single-beam-based classification system to a swath format. The conclusion of this study is that multibeam sonar can be used for seabed classification and can provide a real-time seabed classification for a broad range of hydrographic, environmental, and military operations.