3D Sonar Imaging for Defense

Underwater Sonar Imaging

Sonar has been used for the detection and visualisation of underwater objects since the early 1900s, with military applications using it for things such as:

• Detecting submarines, torpedoes and mines
• Navigating submarines and torpedoes
• Mine countermeasures/avoidance 

Not only is sonar a vital tool in underwater object detection, but it can also be used for mapping and imaging the seabed and its structures, such as harbour walls, platforms, and pipelines.

3D Imaging Sonar

3D-sonar is a newer technology that has been developed for sub-sea construction in order to carry out tasks such as well-head intervention and welding where semi-automated control systems require accurate, real-time data about their surrounding environment.

3D-sonar creates 3D data in real time, whereas standard sonar generates 3D imagery by combining data from multi-beam scans post-process. 3D-sonar is a conventional multi-beam sonar that produces 128 x 128 beams simultaneously in order to create an accurate, real-time image of the surroundings. 

The data points are plotted on a screen to create a 3D rendering of the underwater environment. The 3D data can then be easily moved around for improved visualisation and interpretation. 

3D Sonar Applications

Underwater 3D imaging technology offers numerous capabilities for an ever-growing number of defense applications, including search and recovery missions, obstacle avoidance and threat detection such identifying and locating mines and explosives.