A processing requirement and resolution capability comparison of side-scan and synthetic-aperture sonars

The processing requirements and resolution capabilities of both side-look sonar (SLS) and synthetic-aperture sonar (SAS) systems are outlined. Side-look sonar is presented as a real-beam imaging technique along with expressions for relevant system- and image-related parameters. Synthetic-aperture sonar is discussed, and the limitations imposed by the speed of sound in the ocean environment are identified. A specific side-look system (SeaMARC I) is presented under two configurations and comparable SAS designs are proposed. Based on the examples provided by the SeaMARC I system and the hypothetical SAS designs, it is shown that single-beam SAS systems can be designed to achieve area coverage rates comparable to single-beam side-scan systems, yet with improved azimuth resolution