ME70 Bathymetric option

Scientific multibeam echo sounder with bathymetric option

By adding the bathymetric application to the ME70 Scientific multibeam echo sounder you get a true dual-purpose multibeam echo sounder.

The ME70 Multibeam scientific echo sounder excels in its operational flexibility. The system's suite includes a broad fan of stabilized beams ideal for fish behavior studies, fish school characterization, and similar research activities. A sector of beams can be designated as split beams to collect data for single target analysis like target strength measurements and tracking. Calibrated narrow split beams with reduced sidelobe levels and brief pulse durations make for accurate biomass estimation even near the bottom.

The bathymetric system provides two main functions:

  • a scientific multibeam echo sounder with calibrated split-beams for fishery research
  • a hydrographic multibeam echo sounder system for seabed mapping

System

When you use the bathymetric application with the ME70, a fan of beams similar to what is customary for hydrographic multibeam echo sounders is created. These beams are processed by the Bathymetric Processor Unit. This is an advanced bottom detector computer normally found in the hydrographic multibeam echo sounders provided by Kongsberg Maritime.

The soundings generated by the bottom detector computer are transferred to the Bathymetric Operator Station and the Seafloor Information System (SIS) application. This ensures compatible data with the other hydrographic multibeam echo sounders. By using the remote control features of the ME70, the Seafloor Information System (SIS) application is allowed to control the entire operation.

From an operational point of view, the user interface provided by the ME70 with the bathymetric application is identical to the interface used by the hydrographic multibeam echo sounders provided by Kongsberg Maritime.

Processing unit

The Bathymetric Processing Unit is provided to process the depth information from the ME70 Processor Unit. The signal processing allows the seabed mapping functionality provided by the ME70.

The Bathymetry Processing Unit is a custom-built computer based on the Hydrographic Processor Unit using commercially available components. The unit is designed and tested for rugged use.

The Bathymetry Processing Unit is designed for mounting in a standard 19-inch rack. Data is received from the ME70 Processor Unit, and then processed to create seabed mapping information.

Work station

The Bathymetric Work Station is a rugged and powerful computer. It is designed for long life in a demanding maritime environment. It contains the operational software, and offers the user interface that allows you to control the bathymetric operations.

The main program running on the Bathymetric Work Station is the Seafloor Information System (SIS). This is a real-time software application designed for operation and real-time data processing for hydrographic instruments. The main task of the SIS program is to be a logical and intuitive user interface. It shall provide all necessary functionality for an efficient survey.
The Bathymetric Work Station is based on the Hydrographic Work Station and using the Microsoft® Windows 7 operating system.

For more information about the Seafloor Information System (SIS),

observe the dedicated product page.

Key features

  • Operates in the 70 to 120 kHz frequency range
  • Provides an adjustable acoustic fan containing 3 to 45 stabilized beams
  • All beams can be configured as split beams
  • The calibration software is included
  • The minimum beam opening is 2 degrees depending on the operational frequency and steering
  • The total swath width is 140 degrees
  • The athwartship center angle of the fan can be adjusted from +45 to -45 degrees
  • The minimum acquisition depth is less than 1 m below the transducer, this depends on the beam mode configuration
  • Sidelobe levels and beam interleakage are adjustable from -35 to -70 dB depending on the beamwidth and the frequency configuration

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