Bathymetry Processing

Seeking Contributors

This section is under development. If you have expertise in bathymetry processing, please reach out to the admins at omcadmin@ccom.unh.edu to become a contributor today!

Overview

Options for checking and processing multibeam data, from quick grids for ROV dive planning before breakfast to careful post-processing for incorporation into the global compilations.

Processing software

There are several options for processing multibeam data; some of the most common packages are listed below in alphabetical order. The selection of a processing package depends on budget, format compatibility, skill level and experience.

• BeamworX - commercial software with AutoPatch feature for streamlined calibration
• CARIS HIPS & SIPS - standard software used by NOAA Office of Coast Survey and others for bathymetry processing and nautical chart production in the US
• Kluster - open source; in development by NOAA with focus on Kongsberg and Applanix data
• MB-SYSTEM - open source; commonly used for automated / scripted processing of data from AUVs and other vehicles
• QPS Qimera - commonly used by the UNOLS fleet and ocean exploration programs; full capability for expert users with simpler processing paths for non-experts (e.g., new watchstanders, interns)
• Saber - not as commonly used outside Leidos
• SonarScope - Matlab-based multibeam processing package from IFREMER

QA/QC software

Software for checking multibeam data quality and completeness from acquisition and through final surfaces.

• QAX - a joint project between AusSeabed, NOAA, and CCOM (see project on GitHub)

Seafloor characterization

Software for characterizing and/or classifying seafloor by morphology, backscatter, and other parameters. These options expand upon built-in tools available in some multibeam data processing packages listed above.

• QPS FMGT - Fledermaus GeoCoder Toolbox, a commercial backscatter processing package
• Seabed Geomorphology Tools - Python tools for classifying seabed based on shape, backscatter, sub-bottom/seismic, and other data

Data archive

Data submission to an archive or repository depends on the pre-mission agreement between the various organizations involved. It is strongly recommended to have a pre-determined data management plan so that these details are well known before the vessel/vehicle return to port.

In general, raw data should be submitted to NCEI. Processed grids to be incorporated into the GEBCO grid can be submitted through the GEBCO site.

NCEI

Packaging the data

NCEI provides a tool for packaging data for submission.

https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/cruisepack/

You may need to contact the developer to be able to add additional instrumentation and platforms to the menus, but you can manually add people and other items. This tool allows you to select the data, enter the relevant metadata, and organize it into the structure that is most compatible for easy ingestion into the archives.

If you have any questions, contact wcd.info@noaa.gov.