Shallow survey 2015 dataset available
A common dataset comprising tests last summer of seven sonar systems in Plymouth Sound and Wembury Bay is now available for comparison and analysis by the global hydrographic community in readiness for delegate consideration at the 7th International Conference on High Resolution Surveys in Shallow Water, Shallow Survey 2015, at Plymouth University from 14-18 September.
Expected to attract a worldwide audience, the event is jointly organised by the UK Hydrographic Office and the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Its key element is the common dataset consisting of a range of individual bathymetric and backscatter studies taken from latest shallow water survey techniques so that comparisons can be made and the relative merits of different approaches evaluated. Target areas chosen for trials provided a suitable variety of depth, seabed type and subsea structures. A special target test was also devised to ensure that fair comparisons could be made between the object detection capabilities of competing systems, with the Royal Navy laying inert mines in a specific area prior to commencement of actual surveys.
Test participants included EdgeTech and WASSP, who each provided one sonar system, Kongsberg, who tested both beam-forming and interferometric units, and Teledyne Reson who conducted trials with three of their sonar systems. The dataset, which the organisers say can also be used as a valuable training and research aid, is available on a 2TB USB 3 portable hard disk for £85 via the Shallow Survey 2015 website at http://www.shallowsurvey2015.org/?page=commondataset.
Meanwhile, papers derived from studies of the Common Dataset as well as other topics related to surveying in shallow water are invited for presentation at the conference. The closing date for submission of abstracts is 1 May.
By David Goodfellow
