An Introduction to AutoSurvey and Current AutoSurvey Projects
Abstract
This paper introduces AutoSurvey, an environmentally adaptive approach to hydrographic surveys. Currently, these surveys are carried out using fixed-spaced parallel lines with modern multi-beam sonar technology. The swath width is directly related to the water depth underneath the sensors at any given time. The distance between the planned survey lines is constant, and is generally based on the estimated swath width that results from the minimum water depth in a survey area. The minimum water depth is usually estimated from older charts whose accuracy may be questionable. While this may benefit the survey by reducing data gaps (holidays), it can produce areas of excessive coverage (overages) and thus excessive survey times. Current hydrographic surveys also demand supervision and interaction from human operators. One of the primary goals of AutoSurvey is to automate the survey process. This includes processes involved with data quality assurance and coverage assessment, as well as generating navigation waypoints. AutoSurvey also aims to make hydrographic surveys more efficient. Simulator and field test results conclude that AutoSurvey can minimize holidays and increase efficiency over rough terrain, resulting in timesavings well above 30 percent. Section II introduces the line fitting schemes that allow AutoSurvey to accomplish its objectives. Section III discusses the transition of AutoSurvey to the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) for use with its ISS-60 survey software. Section IV introduces the AutoSurvey Planner, a tool to aid survey planners in the creation of environmentally adaptive hydrographic surveys. Section V highlights the results from comparison testing during the NAVOCEANO System Acceptance Test (SAT), conducted during the AutoSurvey transition to ISS-60, as well as results from simulator runs showing the savings achieved under extreme situations. (1 table, 8 figures, 3 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA413191
Entities
People
- Brian S. Bourgeois
- Donald L. Brandon Jr.
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory