Side Scan Sonar & Sub-Bottom Profiler
Target group
This course is not only intended for those who have no experience with Side Scan
Sonar and Sub-Bottom Profiler for deep water, but also for those who already
worked with Side Scan Sonar and Sub-Bottom Profiler systems and want to gain
latest in-depth knowledge or refresh their knowledge.
Prerequisite training
Practical experience with Side Scan Sonar and Sub-Bottom Profiler systems, or completion of the Introduction to Hydrography, Underwater Acoustics, and Singlebeam Echo Sounder courses, is recommended as a prerequisite.
Contents
Side Scan Sonar and Sub-Bottom Profiler systems are frequently used for
visualization of objects on the seabed and geological profile below the seabed,
respectively for geophysical measurements and mapping. This course offers the
student the practical knowledge required to use the systems in a proper way, or to
interpret the data produced by the systems. The course provides knowledge that
varies from underwater acoustics to the data interpretation. After the course, the
student can identify (and interpret) Side Scan Sonar images and Sub-Bottom profiles
with deep water applications. The course includes many practical experience
examples of which data interpretation is given.
Underwater imaging and feature detection using Side Scan Sonar & Sub Bottom Profiler 15, 16 & 22 April 2026
This course offers the student the practical knowledge required to use the system in an appropriate way and to value the data produced by the system. The theoretical background is discussed as well as the practical interpretation of the data. Furthermore, the use of the system is dealt with in detail. Examples of SSS images are used for recognizing features in the side scan sonar Image.
While a Side Scan Sonar is used for detecting targets on the seafloor surface, a Sub Bottom Profiler (SBP) looks beneath that surface. SBPs use acoustic techniques to penetrate the seabed and visualize the underlying features and sediment layers. This module provides an overview of the various SBP techniques, what each method can achieve in terms of subsurface imaging, and the limitations associated with them. Prior knowledge of SBES is preferred.
Content 15 & 16 April 2026, Side Scan Sonar
Underwater acoustics, sound sources, sound velocity
Side Scan Sonar systems basic overview
SSS theory
SSS interpretation
SSS Installation and calibration
Survey preparation, setting up, specifications and planning
Practical use, launch, adjustment height, position stability of the tow fish
Interpretation of samples
Content 22 April 2026, Sub-Bottom Profiler
SBP as part of a geophysical survey
SBP basic principles
Different SBP methods
SBP transmission signal
SBP reception and data processing
Large scale SBP for object detection
Duration & Location
Complete courses Side Scan Sonar and Sub-Bottom Profilers are 3 instructor led online lessons of three hours (using Microsoft Teams). If there is sufficient interest, the course can be run any desired location.
Price
On request
Starting date
The Side Scan Sonar course will be hosted on 15 &16 April 2026, Virtual, 13:00-16:00 CEST, led by John Loog. The SBP course is a teacher led online course of 3 hours, and is scheduled for 22 April 2026, Virtual, 13:00-16:00 CEST, also led by John Loog.
Completion
Certificate of attendance
Thinking of studying with us? Please contact us for more information.
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