SubC Imaging’s DVR+ Overlay platform is helping researchers acquire and manage visual data during complex deep-sea expeditions. The system was recently deployed aboard the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Ægir 6000, operated by the Norwegian Marine Robotics Facility (NORMAR) at the University of Bergen, where it contributed to the collection of high-quality subsea imagery during research cruises in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea. Read more >>
Working in partnership with the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, University of Bergen researchers used Ægir 6000 to investigate geological formations, benthic ecosystems, and environmental conditions across deep-water regions. For these missions, dependable video recording, image capture, and real-time visual monitoring were critical components of the scientific workflow. SubC Imaging’s DVR+ Overlay was selected to serve as the primary recording and broadcasting platform integrated with the vehicle’s camera systems.
Deep-Sea Imaging Requirements for Scientific Research
NORMAR’s Ægir 6000 is a national deep-sea research asset that has completed more than 1,000 dives. Equipped with a dedicated Tether Management System (TMS), the vehicle can operate independently of vessel motion and conduct missions beneath Arctic sea ice. Its ability to reach depths of 6,000 meters allows researchers to investigate remote subsea environments, creating significant demands on imaging and data acquisition systems.
To support research objectives, scientists required a solution capable of capturing detailed visual records while improving efficiency during both offshore operations and post-mission analysis. Key requirements included:
- Recording long video transects for subsea photogrammetry, mosaic generation, and 3D reconstruction.
- Capturing detailed imagery of benthic habitats, geological features, and resource deposits.
- Delivering live video from ROV cameras to support operational and scientific decision-making during dives.
- Reducing operator workload and minimizing the potential for errors during complex missions.
Centralized Recording and Video Management
To meet these requirements, NORMAR integrated SubC Imaging’s DVR+ Overlay into the Ægir 6000 operational workflow. The platform enabled researchers and vehicle operators to customize video acquisition settings, manage overlays, and distribute live video feeds throughout the vessel.
Among the capabilities utilized during the expedition were:
- Automated still-image capture at one-second intervals for photogrammetry, mosaic production, and 3D imaging workflows.
- Configurable recording parameters, including clip lengths and custom overlays tailored to specific scientific objectives.
- Switching between multiple camera feeds to improve situational awareness and support collaboration among onboard personnel.
- A streamlined user interface designed to simplify operator training and day-to-day use.
Maja Lian Jœger, Data Manager and University of Bergen, NORMAR, commented, “The SubC DVR software proved highly user-friendly and adaptable. We could easily customize video settings and overlays to suit each research dive, and the ability to switch between multiple camera feeds allowed scientists to follow the ROV’s progress in real time. These capabilities greatly improved both the efficiency of our data collection and the scientific value of the visual records we brought back.”
Delivering Valuable Scientific Outcomes
The integration of advanced recording functionality with an accessible operating environment provided benefits across both scientific and operational activities. Researchers were able to generate high-quality visual datasets while improving collaboration during active missions.
Results from the deployment included:
- Production of high-resolution seafloor mosaics and three-dimensional models.
- Identification of benthic habitats and mapping of geological formations, including sulphide deposits.
- Improved operational efficiency through real-time access to camera feeds during dives.
- Collection of publication-quality visual datasets to support ongoing deep-sea research programs.
Maja Lian Jœger, Data Manager and University of Bergen, NORMAR, commented, “One of the most valued features of SubC DVR+ Overlay was its ability to automatically capture still images at one-second intervals during video transects, enabling the creation of seamless stitched mosaics afterward.”
Enhancing Long-Term Ocean Exploration Efforts
After more than a decade in service and over 1,000 completed dives, Ægir 6000 continues to serve as a key component of Norway’s marine research infrastructure. Through the integration of SubC Imaging’s DVR+ Overlay with the vehicle’s imaging systems, NORMAR has expanded its ability to collect and manage visual data from some of the ocean’s most challenging environments.
The deployment highlights the role that advanced recording software, subsea imaging technologies, and integrated camera systems can play in supporting scientific investigations, helping researchers document and analyze deep-ocean ecosystems and geological features with greater efficiency and consistency.
Read “Case Study: Powering Norway’s Deep-Sea Research ROV with SubC’s DVR+ Overlay” on the SubC Imaging website.
