Multibeam Echosounder Used in Shallow Water Mapping Survey of Torpedo Test-range

June 2021, Gdynia (Poland). The mapping of extremely shallow waters is a typical task in many seashore environmental or wildlife prevention projects. In such applications, both the low draught of the survey platform and the very short measuring range of the Echosounder are critical. Small draught is possible with a catamaran body ASV (USV), however, in that case, the small size and weight and power consumption of a Multibeam Echosounder become critical. Baywei joined with a Polish ASV Developer to test and demonstrate the capabilities of a cost-effective catamaran unmanned surface vehicle coupled with our cost-efficient and accurate MBES.

Historical Torpedo Test-range in the Baltic Sea

Specifications of the autonomous surface vehicle (ASV)

• 1.2 Meters long
• Ultralight
• Low draught
• Max. speeds: 3 knots when fully loaded
• Twin electric engines
• Long-range WiFi
• Battery to power ASV and MBES

Specifications of the Multibeam Echosounder (MBES)

Setting up the Multibeam Echosounder

Simple Operations

The M5 Multibeam Echosounder setup allows for easy ASV operation, Multibeam setup and data acquisition with a single tablet.

Results of the Survey

• Area: 80m x 500m
• Depth range: 0,3m - 2,4m
• Main depth: 0,98m

Data Example of the Bathymetric Profile

• Area: 80m x 50m
• Depth range: 0,3m - 2,4m
• Main depth: 0,98m
• Data processing: QPS Qimera
• Real-time GNSS corrections have been applied for high-accuracy positioning
• Dual GNSS antenna system combined with INS for precise 3D heading and attitude calculations

Conclusion

• Extremely shallow waters are a challenging environment for running hydrographic surveys. If there is high turbidity, the Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) is the only efficient solution.
• The combination of an easily manoeuvrable ASV and a compact, integrated MBES was a very efficient solution for quick mapping of the very shallow coastal zone.
• It was impossible to map this area by any other survey platform.
• The light construction of the ASV and Baywei M5 allowed for 2 people to complete the bathymetric survey.
• Low power consumption of Baywei M5 ensured longer working time for the complete setup, therefore a bigger area was covered with one battery set.

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