Equipping Multibeam Echosounder Systems with INS/GNSS

The new WASSP S3r is one of the world’s most cost-effective, professional survey and mapping Multibeam sounder solutions. It combines data from a Multibeam sounder transducer with 224 beams covering 120° degrees swath port-to-starboard along with position, heading, and motion to create an accurate bathymetric map of underwater features for various surveys situations and environmental conditions. WASSP S3r is able to survey areas up to 10 times faster than a Singlebeam sounder.

Mini INS/GNSS for the cost-effective, professional survey, and mapping Multibeam sounder solutions.

''We required a cost-effective and high-precision position and motion solution. It needed to be able to combine with our WASSP multibeam technology so we could meet the high level of accuracy our customers expect'' - Bart Slingerland, Product Owner at WASSP

WASSP S3r kit

With the very high requirements hydrographic surveying has for accuracy, WASSP needed a solution for RTK + INS that could allow the sounder to create accurately positioned 3D bathymetric representations of the seafloor, down to centimetre accuracy with minimal passes. This demand combined with the complexities of the tide, and boat movement mean that in order to get usable position and motion data, a dual antenna system was required. The company made multiple test scenarios from which the SBG Ellipse-D Inertial Navigation System came out as the best choice based on the accuracy of consecutive test mapping.

“We required a cost-effective and high-precision position and motion solution. It needed to be able to combine with our WASSP Multibeam technology so we could meet the high level of accuracy our customers expect” explains Bart Slingerland, Product Owner at WASSP.

WASSP S3r Solution with the Ellipse-D

WASSP has also incorporated the Ellipse-D into its S3Pr portable survey package where size, weight, and cost were also key factors in the final solution. The SBG Ellipse-D was able to fit into a covered housing that allows quick setup on small vessels and interfaces with the WASSP DRX processing unit and CDX software.

Ellipse-D, The Smallest RTK INS on the Market

The new Ellipse-D has been launched in June 2020. This miniature Inertial Navigation System (INS) provides RTK position, 0.05° attitude, and dual antenna heading. It also outputs a 5cm heave, that adjusts automatically to the wave period. This sensor is designed to be easily integrated into marine projects thanks to compatibility with numerous industry standards (TSS1, PASHR, INDYN protocols). Ellipse is the smallest heave sensor at this level of performance, and the OEM version allows the tightest integrations. “We are very proud to be part of WASSP S3r and S3Pr. WASSP innovative solutions make Multibeam sonar technology available to the largest professionals” to conclude Thibault Bonnevie, CEO of SBG Systems.

''WASSP has also incorporated the Ellipse-D into its S3Pr portable survey package where size, weight, and cost were also key factors in the final solution.''

About WASSP

WASSP Multibeam is a product developed by ENL group in New Zealand. ENL currently manufactures WASSP Multibeam Sounder for Commercial Fishing, Sport Fishing, Hydrographic Survey, Super Yacht and more. ENL, founded in 1945 is now a subsidiary of Furuno and has a strong R&D focus, particularly in the field of Multibeam Sounder.