Live data streaming boost for subsea surveys
New technology platform enables real-time streaming of scientific 3D data
A new advanced maritime technology platform
has been developed to enable live streaming of three-dimensional data
generated by scientific multi beam systems.
Although
this unique data visualization software is initially designed for
operational use with the Simrad ME70 multi beam echo sounder, there are
plans to extend and enable 3D data streaming from a wider range of
acoustic systems.
Advanced Sim rad software reads
"incredibly clean raw data" from the multibeam echo sounder in real time
and produces accurate live visualisation of ocean space beneath a
research vessel for the science laboratory on-board and the bridge.
Until
now this data had to be post-processed to fulfil the system's 3D
potential. Now, with a live feed available, researchers and vessel crews
can benefit from a highly effective decision support tool which
significantly improves vessel efficiency and the effectiveness of subsea
scientific surveys.
The advanced technology platform
was launched by the Norwegian technology enterprise Kongsberg Maritime
at the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES)
Working Group on Fisheries Acoustics, Science and Technology (WGFAST) in
Vigo, Spain earlier this month. ICES is a global organisation that
promotes the sustainable use of our oceans and has established a network
of more than 4,000 scientists to develop an integrated understanding of
marine ecosystems.
Simrad - part of Kongsberg
Maritime's subsea division - is a leading developer of electronic
technology for commercial fishing and fishery research. Responsible for
the manufacture of advanced sonars, echo sounders and catch monitor
instrumentation for fishing vessels, Simrad single and multibeam echo
sounders are used on scientific and oceanographic research vessels
around the world.
Accurate 3D visualisation greatly helps to
improve users' understanding of marine ecosystems by, for example,
enabling the precise measurement of schools of fish rather than leaving
researchers to estimate size and shapes based on models. Also, 3D views
of bottom topography - one of the most important parameters for
realistic ocean models - and associated bottom habitats provide a much
clearer picture and greater knowledge of deep water ecosystems.
Developers
of the subsea technology platform say the delivery in real time of
accurate 3D visualisation provides significant benefits. The system is
particularly relevant to projects using adaptive sampling because the
live three-dimensional stream of a survey area means researchers can see
specific attributes as their vessel passes them. So any actions for
further inspection can be taken immediately.
"Real time 3D
visualisation of massive data like this was said to be impossible only
years ago but with help from Kongsberg Digital's 3D centre of excellence
we have now upped the ME70 capabilities to a new level," says Tonny
Algrøy, global sales manager at Simrad Fishery Research.
"Research
vessels can now react immediately to changes in the environment they
study, a facility with the potential to create a positive step-change in
the way scientific surveys are conducted."
A
computer-generated simulation demonstrates the data visualisation
software's capabilities on-board Kongsberg Maritime's test vessel Simrad Echo
in the shallow sand eel grounds of the North Sea. The raw data is taken
from the multibeam echo sounder installed on the offshore support
vessel.
Sources:
https://www.simrad.com/www/01/NOKBG0238.nsf/AllWeb/58BC61824C498AE7C1257F9A002E4DF2?OpenDocument&lang=
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuFo8d4rUUc
Ocean Hub AS
NORWAY
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