Survey

Fully integrated inertial and positioning systems for Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) beam stabilization, increasing accuracy, reliability, and ease of use for seabed surveys by hydrographic agencies, commercial survey, ocean research vessels and dredging specialists.

Unlock the details and secrets of the seafloor by having the best possible foundation. Kongsberg’s unparalleled expertise in integrating motion sensing and gyrocompassing together with innovative GNSS technology and advanced sensor fusion is key enabler for high data quality from other survey sensors. Our Seapath® Inertial Navigation System (INS) solutions provide optimal results for position, velocity, attitude, and heading in marine survey applications using multibeam echo sounders (MBES). The new EM2042 is delivered with Kongsberg miniMRU embedded and delivers high-density, high-resolution, and clean data even in the most demanding marine environments.

Kongsberg delivers a range of inertial motion sensors, from the highest available accuracy in the Motion Gyro Compass (MGC®) to the traditional Motion Reference Unit (MRU) and the compact miniMRU. All sensors provide exceptional accuracy in roll, pitch, yaw and heave, and the MGC® range is in addition north-seeking and Wheelmark approved as gyro compass. This capability remains unaffected even in the absence or disruption of GNSS signals.

Enhancing MBES Precision and Quality

As the world’s foremost manufacturer of multibeams for shallow, medium, and deep-water surveys (reaching the deepest points in our oceans), Kongsberg seamlessly integrates Seapath into every MBES solution. This means:

  1. Real-Time Motion Sensing: Seapath diligently tracks vessel movements—roll, pitch, yaw, and heave—in real time. This dynamic monitoring enables the MBES system to accurately calculate beam patterns to deliver a consistent, high-density survey pattern.
  2. Beam Stabilization: For MBES systems with wide swaths, precise attitude measurements are crucial. Seapath ensures maximum coverage and data quality through effective beam stabilization.
  3. Cutting-Edge Technology: Seapath combines raw signals from multi-frequency GNSS receivers and Kongsberg’s inertial product range. With a data rate of up to 200 Hz and zero delay, it provides data availability at 8 different measurement points. Additionally, up to 16 configurable serial lines and Ethernet ports facilitate seamless network distribution to onboard operator units.
  4. Quality Control: An integrated autonomous quality control feature continuously monitors the calculated MBES position. If critical tolerances are exceeded or position quality degrades, Seapath activates warnings, ensuring data integrity.
  5. Automatic Online Calibration: The Seapath performs continuous calibration of the internal sensors to ensure factory performance over the lifespan of the system.

 

New Seapath 385

The new Seapath 385 is designed for deployment on larger survey vessels or demanding applications where interfacing to many sensors and systems are needed. The Seapath enables high-quality survey results across a range of critical applications. Let’s explore its capabilities:

 

  1. Attitude Accuracy: Seapath boasts best-in-class attitude accuracy, ensuring reliable data for critical applications.
  2. Real-Time Heave Accuracy: Best-in-class real-time heave measurements achieve unparalleled precision, even in challenging conditions.
  3. Delayed Heave (PfreeHeave): Seapath’s innovative approach to phase corrected delayed heave enhances data quality.
  4. Comprehensive GNSS Utilization: Seapath leverages all available GNSS satellites and frequencies, maximizing positioning accuracy.
  5. DGNSS Corrections: Seapath integrates all available differential corrections for precise performance at minimal operational cost.
  6. High Precision Non-Differential Position Algorithm: Seapath’s proprietary algorithm ensures high precision even without relying on differential corrections.
  7. Spoofing Detection and Rejection: Seapath’s robust safety features safeguard against spoofing and jamming attacks.
  8. Best-in-Class Timing Accuracy: Whether using PTP or NTP Ethernet timing protocols or serial data with 1PPS, Seapath delivers precisely timed data.
  9. Raw Data Logging: Capture raw satellite and IMU data for post processing, detailed analysis and quality control.
  10. Remote Support: Seapath's remote support capabilities ensure efficient troubleshooting and maintenance.
Kongsberg Discovery has a wide selection of products and solutions that are either fully based on or that utilizes inertial technology in some way.