Acoustic Seabed Classification Systems

Abstract : In the last decade acoustic bottom classification devices have been developed which can routinely provide inferences of seabed texture and grain size or habitat while a vessel is underway. These devices can be attached to existing echosounders on vessels without affecting sounder operation, or to inexpensive fish finding echosounders, enabling real-time indications of bottom type after initial system calibration is made. Aspects of these acoustic bottom classification systems are broadly described. Topics covered are principles of operation, trials of the RoxAnn and QTC View systems, other commercially available systems, algorithms, usage, and approaches to classification. Data processing and calibration methods used by various authors are listed. It is important to note that acoustic seabed classification systems are essentially empirical devices which may work well for some bottoms but not others. To enable their more informed usage, some of the performance strengths and limitations of acoustic bottom classification systems are outlined.