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Micro-Bathymetric Mapping Using Acoustic Range Images, Christopher Roman, Hanumant Singh

Christopher N. Roman

This work focuses on the creation of high resolution micro-bathymetric maps using a high frequency pencil beam sonar. These maps typically cover areas of 10's to 100's of square meters. Data is collected using a sonar mounted to an underwater vehicle that can be positioned at discrete locations on the sea floor or flown in a survey pattern above the bottom. Specifically, we are focused on improving the accuracy of these terrain maps by merging sonar pings taken from multiple vantage points over the same location. This requires the adaption of data registration techniques to handle errors related to the …