Abstract :
The future of marine survey sensors, processing and platforms is reviewed. Seabed survey from autonomous marine platforms is now possible, but, apart from a few niche applications, it is not yet more useful than the manned alternative. However, advances in sensor technology, sensor processing, sensor data merging, and vehicle autonomy will cause the operational-and cost effectiveness of such systems to overtake that of crewed platforms within the next five to ten years.
Keywords :
marine vehicles; oceanographic techniques; remotely operated vehicles; sonar; autonomous marine platforms; marine survey products; marine survey sensors; seabed survey; sensor data merging; sensor processing; Acoustic beams; Acoustic sensors; Interferometers; Marine technology; Remotely operated vehicles; Sea measurements; Sensor phenomena and characterization; Sensor systems; Sonar measurements; Systems engineering and theory; Sonar; marine technology; marine vehicles;
