Triton Elics International

Sidescan Sonar Imagery

Triton Elics International has a long history of providing solutions for sidescan sonar applications using Isis Sonar. The fundamental difficulties associated with logging such data have, for the most part, been overcome, and the focus now has shifted towards:

Real-time processing and presentation of the raw data in a geographical perspective.
Image enhancement and automated interpretation approaches.
Analysis of backscatter data relative to other data types across the survey area while acquisition is ongoing.

We believe that in order to achieve a proper understanding of a survey area, the data should be viewed in a geographical context as opposed to the normal ping-by-ping context, preferably in real-time. Beyond the robust quality control capabilities of Isis Sonar, TEI offers a real-time mosaicking link to DelphMap. Analysis and interpretation of the data is then much easier because of the powerful GIS capabilities associated with this package: larger-scale features can be viewed relative to other data in the region (e.g., bathymetry contours) at full scale while smaller-scale features can be analyzed at a different zoom level in subsidiary windows.

Specialized tools within DelphMap allow direct analysis of features appearing on different lines (e.g., shine-through capabilities for different layers, cursor-ties between windows). A set of digitizing tools is available for manually creating interpretation of seabed features, and links exist to other modules that allow a more automated approach (e.g., pipeline/cable inspections, habitat assessment, feature detection/mensuration/digitiziation)

TEI provides this information in real-time. As a consequence, sidescan sonar system performance need no longer be measured relative to the sensor specifications, but rather on the quality of the information generated by the system and the ease of access to this information either while on-site or during post-survey analysis.

Isis Sonar

TEI has been an industry leader in sidescan sonar acquisition for almost 20 years. Based on an open architecture, Isis Sonar has the flexibility to interface to all commercially available sidescan sonar sensors. This versatility ensures a better investment return on all purchases of new equipment, and allows easy integration with existing equipment.

The data acquisition and logging phase of a sidescan sonar survey is critical for the quality of the final data product. Isis Sonar provides a simple, intuitive interface for setting up all parameters affecting the logged data. A wide range of window options exist for displaying the raw sonar and ancillary sensor data as they arrive in the system, thereby providing powerful quality control capabilities on a component-by-component basis. Isis Sonar includes powerful image enhancement and data correction tools to present the data in its most accurate form. Coupled with ancillary data from motion sensors, USBL systems, or bathymetry, the user can correct the data for changes in attitude, layback, or the flat earth assumption.

Various tools exist for optimizing typical tasks associated with a survey. For example, a report tool allows the generation of summary documents possibly required by clients, and a target capture tool allows analysis and measurement of features observed across the survey area.

All data are logged in the non-proprietary XTF format. Options exist for automated line naming conventions and file changes based on physical size.

With MosaicRT, a fully geo-corrected mosaic of the sidescan sonar data can be created during acquisition, thus providing a sophisticated survey quality analysis and control tool. The mosaicked data are displayed in real-time in DelphMap for immediate analysis and interpretation of the data and the survey area within its geographical setting. Any information available for this area, such as previous analysis and/or coast lines, can be imported into the DelphMap project.

TargetPro

In real-time and post-processing the operator can also identify and mark objects of interest with TargetPro. TargetPro is integrated with Isis Sonar and will log and display targets and contacts for detailed analysis, classification and measurements. The position of the contact is displayed in DelphMap as well, while the contact information is retained in a database.