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Articles

Number 5 (2011)

Multibeam Sonar Performance Analysis Value and Use of Statistical Techniques

Submitted
August 13, 2013
Published
2011-01-01

Abstract

The Naval Oceanographic Office uses quantitative methods employing statistical measurements to analyze and evaluate the performance and behavior of multibeam sonar bathymetry systems. Datasets are made that determine the residual differences between a reference surface and multibeam sounding files as a function of beam angle. The resultant beam-wise analysis facilitates artifact detection, trends, overall uncertainty, dataset limitations, and system performance compliance against specifications or other special requirements. The technique used is presented with examples of its application in analyzing system performance, data processing, and survey planning in two actual case studies.