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Articles

1976: Vol. LIII, No. 1

Side-Scan Sonar : A Practical Guide

Submitted
August 7, 2015
Published
2015-07-08

Abstract

The apparent lack in up-to-date literature of practical advice on operational aspects of side-scan sonar and the isometric reproduction of records calls for a more specific approach. The author discusses step by step every major feature that directly affects the composition of the resulting sonograph. Special emphasis is given to distorting factors, which have to be eliminated when draughting isometric maps from sonograph mosaics. A number of practical aids are presented in the form of distortion ellipses and true distance nomograms, which simplify the manual draughting process to a point beyond which only computerization would provide substantial improvement. Since computerization of the draughting process will not be available for many users in the foreseeable future, these aids are considered vital. Finally, the various features discussed, as well as geological interpretations of selected examples from the South African continental margin, are represented. The discussion is based on the EG&G Mark IB side-scan sonar system.