Error Analysis in Multi-beam Hydrographic Surveying

Abstract

The hydrographic surveying involves the integration of the depth measuring sonar (Sound navigation and ranging) with a positioning system (GNSS) Global navigational Satellite system; a motion sensor (IMU); and azimuth sensor (gyroscope). The various sensors acquire data in their own frame and time, the challenge is in the integration of the various sensor frame, and time, and the transformation of this vessel frame coordinate system to a terrestrial reference frame. The integration of the various sensors frames, and time is necessary to reduce systematic errors in the bathymetric data, resulting from latency, and calibration uncertainty. The focus of this research is to model the systematic bias associated with the with the integration of the various sensor’s frames. This is to enhance the quality of the acquired data, and to ensure that error budgeting and uncertainty prediction is well carried out during the preparation, acquisition, and processing stage of the bathymetric exercise to meet the required project specification and hydrographic standard as define by the international hydrographic organization.