AI Solution for Real-Time Seabed Mapping

GeoAcoustics' AI was able to produce accurate and consistent results comparable to that of an experienced surveyor, without needing human intervention and operating at a fraction of the time By Abi Wylie / 26 Sep 2023

Side Scan Sonar

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
AI Solution for Real-Time Seabed Mapping
Follow OS&T

GeoAcoustics Ltd has developed an innovative AI solution to improve the speed and ease of seabed mapping in real-time.

Seabed mapping is used to produce a bathymetric (or water depth) profile of a given area of seabed using sonar technology. Sonar works by sending sound pulses into the water and measuring the echoes reflected from the seabed and any underwater structures that may be present. 

However, many unwanted data points are also generated and these need to be filtered out after the survey to produce a true representation of the seabed profile which can be a resource-intensive, expensive and time-consuming task.

GeoAcoustics approached University of East Anglia’s School of Computing Sciences and a feasibility study was undertaken to see if AI technology could automatically remove unwanted noise from sonar data. This was carried out by two MSc Computing Science students, supervised by Dr. Wenjia Wang and Dr. Ben Milner, and a team from GeoAcoustics. 

Following encouraging results, further research and development grants were awarded; an Enabling Innovation: Research To Application (EIRA) award, and an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). These enabled an AI module to be developed which was then evaluated using various benchmark data sets and sea trials. 

The AI was able to produce accurate and consistent results comparable to that of an experienced surveyor, without needing any human intervention and operating at a fraction of the time. The module was integrated into GeoAcoustic’s existing software and is capable of processing survey data in real-time, saving days or weeks of post-processing by trained human users.

In partnership with the UEA’s School of Computing Sciences, the company was named as a finalist in the category of Technical Excellence at the national Knowledge Transfer Partnership awards following the AI solution’s development. 

Dr. Danny Websdale, the Knowledge Transfer Partnership Senior Research Associate at UEA for the duration of the AI development project and now an AI/ML Research Scientist at GeoAcoustics Ltd, said; “Designing an AI system that can process and quality control sonar data was a challenging process over the course of two and a half   years, but together with the project team we were able to meet the intended goals and even exceed them by developing a system that provides real-time data on board the survey vessel, which is a unique capability that improves data quality while saving GeoAcoustics’ customers time and money.”

The product is now available to customers. Dr. Richard Dowdeswell, Chief Operating Officer at GeoAcoustics Ltd, said; “The AI system was integrated in our flagship seabed mapping product GeoSwath 4 and provided to customers as a free update. Feedback has been wholly positive, and we’re delighted with how the KTP, and the excellent collaboration with Danny and the UEA School of Computing Sciences, turned out.”

Posted by Abi Wylie Edited by Abigail Wylie, Editor and Copywriter experienced in digital media with a keen interest in ocean science technology. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Profile Spotlight: MetOcean Telematics & Maritime Satellite Communications

OST is helping MetOcean Telematics showcase its satellite communications and telemetry solutions, supporting marine industries like research, fisheries, and environmental monitoring

Feb 12, 2025
Understanding Deep Trekker’s BRIDGE Technology for Reliable ROV Control

Deep Trekker explains how its BRIDGE technology integrates hardware and software to enhance ROV operations, providing seamless communication between the vehicle, its controller, and third-party sensors

Feb 12, 2025
Actisense Enhances NMEA 2000 System Monitoring with New Features

Actisense has introduced new interface updates, including improved navigation, real-time NMEA data viewing, enhanced logging, network mapping, and simplified data routing for better system diagnostics and management

Feb 12, 2025
Iridium Certus® GMDSS Enhances Global Maritime Communications & Safety

Iridium Communications is launching the Iridium Certus® GMDSS, a comprehensive maritime safety and communication service that delivers global distress alerting, safety voice, and MSI capabilities through a single terminal

Feb 11, 2025
The Evolution of Maritime Autonomous Systems

Greenroom Robotics outlines the development of maritime autonomous systems, from basic autopilot functions to AI-driven platforms that significantly reduce human intervention

Feb 11, 2025
SubC Imaging Extends Maritime Reach with New Partnership

SubC Imaging’s new partnership with Dockstr, a provider of equipment solutions to the marine industries, is set to expand its reach to clients across the construction, renewables, marine, ocean science, and oil and gas sectors

Feb 10, 2025

Featured Content

Case Study: Trimble Applanix Technology Powers Hydrographic Surveys

In this case study, SEP Hydrographic Limited opted for Trimble Applanix technology to enhance its asset inspections, employing high-resolution 3D scanning for superior data quality above and below the waterline

Feb 10, 2025
Charles River to Develop MAGNETO Submarine Detection System for U.S. Navy

Charles River Analytics is set to develop its MAGNETO submarine detection system for the U.S. Navy, leveraging magnetic signals to to detect stealthier and quieter submarines

Feb 04, 2025
Teledyne Marine’s Slocum Gliders Enhance Conservation Efforts in the Roseway Basin

Researchers have deployed Teledyne Marine’s Slocum gliders in the Roseway Basin to detect and track marine mammals in near-real-time, enhancing conservation efforts through advanced acoustic monitoring technology

Feb 04, 2025