Simple digital system for side scan sonar data imaging

Design of near-bottom sonar observation systems has been started at the Shirshov Oceanology Institute (SOI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The first work on this topic concerned side scan sonar observations in shallow water eg. and waves geomorphology. Later works were connected with deep tow sonar observations in various ocean regions. A number of sonar instruments and vehicles were designed and manufactured by SOI´s Sonar Observation Laboratory (SOL) for these purposes. SOI personal have wide experience in designing and manufacturing of sonar oceanology equipment and towed vehicles. There are three main type of side scan sonar systems now used by SOI SOL for internal investigations and commercial contracts: 1. Shallow water sonar system (SWSS) contains dual frequency side scan sonar and bottom profiler. It has operation depth 100 m and uses multiwired tow cable. 2. Medium depth operated sonar system (MEZOSCAN) contains side scan sonar, bottom profiler, fish mounted acoustic (12 kHz) interrogator for ultra short base navigation system and compass system. It has operation depth 2000 m and uses single coax or shielded wire tow cable. 3. Deep tow sonar system (Zvuk-L) is based on the mother ship r/v Academic Mstislav Keldysh and is equipped by side scan sonar, bottom profiler and long base acoustic navigation transponder. It has operation depth 6000 m and uses single wire coax tow cable. Firstly only graphic recorders were used to produce sonar images of sea bottom surface and bottom profiling data