Ocean Research

Blue Insight provides an open, modular platform for the processing, visualization and sharing of ocean data. The core module contains the cloud framework – which has been built to the highest cyber security standards – and an application-specific dashboard, teamed with data storage and management functionalities. Additional modules can be added to this framework to tailor Blue Insight’s functionality to suit all projects, however large or small. Key to Blue Insight’s data-streaming functionality is the concept of sensor fusion, by which data is streamlined from various onboard sensors and a local database for seamless transmission into the cloud. In addition, the module serves as a link with KM onboard sensors for remote operation.

Data can be collected from any platform, ranging from crewed to autonomous surface vessels, or even underwater vehicles such as AUVs or gliders. Through ongoing delivery projects, several modules already exist to assist customers in obtaining the best results from Blue Insight, including Sensor Remote - a solution that enables remote access to a KM echosounder via a web interface; Ocean View - a powerful and comprehensive web-based visualisation tool for historic and real-time sensor or database data; and Data Forwarder - enabling data conversion into any common format and automated data forwarding to external cloud systems or databases. Analytics supplies an infrastructure for more in-depth datahandling capabilities, such as the implementation of machine learning and AI-enhanced data analysis on board or in the cloud. As an example, one of the first delivery projects has seen the module providing a framework on unmanned surface vehicles for the automated onboard classification of fish. The portfolio of modules and support for specific instruments will be continuously expanded, consistent with KM’s aim to provide customers with unprecedently swift access to data, even in heterogenous environments.

KONGSBERG has sensors for measuring biomass in ocean and lake water columns. Other sensors are used to detect and record seafloor habitats from the ocean’s surface to full ocean depth. Scientific Single Beam and Multi Beam Echo Sounders map coastal and wetland environments and seabed to help authorities and scientists understand fish habitat for spawning and growth, and are used to regulate industrial and recreational use of these areas. In addition to ecology and seafloor, ocean and coastal currents creates a dynamic setting where KM can provide the full picture.

Many applications require the ability to accurately distinguish different seafloor types using backscatter and/or side-scan sonar imagery. Seafloor classification is an important research topic in many hydrographic and oceanographic surveys as it helps in the interpretation of the differences in material and texture type of the seabed.

Ecological maps that overlay information from below bottom to surface are an invaluable resource for anyone making decisions about the management of our marine environment as they provide a better understanding of the distribution and extent of marine habitats.

Technologies used to create detailed habitat maps include scientific echosounders & ADCP’s, multibeam echo sounders, side scan sonar normally combined with ground truthing techniques (trawl, sediment grabs, camera tows etc.). Side scan sonars provide acoustic images of the seabed, which in addition to multibeam backscatter, can be used as an aiding tool for site investigation, maritime navigation, marine construction, dredging, offshore oil exploration/drilling and related marine activities.