Practical Examples of Sonar Mosaic Mapping with Deep Trekker ROVs

At H2O Drones, sonar mosaic mapping is a core component of nearly every inspection. Niels Kruize emphasizes its importance: "We do a lot of sonar mapping - almost every inspection. If the customer wants it, we just do it." The method is particularly effective for visualizing underwater assets like floors, sluices, and pipelines.

Kruize describes the process as straightforward:

"You just swim through it with your ROV and sonar capturing data, render the images with software, and it's done."

Given the Netherlands' extensive waterways, this approach has become essential for H2O Drones.

One of the most impactful applications of sonar mapping has been in sluice inspections, where H2O Drones examines the floors of these water control structures for potential blockages or damage.

"We use sonar to inspect the floors of the sluice to see if there are any objects that might obstruct the doors," Kruize explains. "Or maybe there’s damage done by ships when they’re stationary and propelling water. You get little points of erosion from the constant flow, and that could really damage the overall structure." Mapping out these areas with Deep Trekker ROVs and software creates highly detailed visuals.

"It’s crystal clear when we go down there with an ROV equipped with sonar," he says. "You can see if there’s damage - it’s a big advantage for us."

For Kruize, one of the major benefits of sonar mapping is its effectiveness in communicating findings to clients. "It’s the bridge of communication between a customer that isn’t familiar with sonar reading and someone who is," he explains. "For an operator, it’s simple: you can just say, ‘Well, there’s a problem here, and here, and here.’ With sonar orthomosaics, it’s like having a detailed image, which makes it really easy to translate our inspections into a report."

However, Kruize notes that achieving high-quality sonar images requires a structured and precise approach: "It’s trial and error all the way. You have to keep really still and map out where you’re going. If you go too far to the right, it can create issues because the frames render as one." Fortunately, the software includes corrective features that help address these errors:

"Even if you make a little slip-up, it corrects itself. That’s the technology - it’s almost too easy to work with."

Sonar mapping can be more challenging in high-current environments or areas with bubble interference, which can create "a lot of static" in the sonar image. "If you go through bubbles with sonar, it’s hard for the program to create a solid picture," Kruize explains. To work around this, the team has developed techniques to reduce the impact of bubbles, such as adjusting the ROV navigation and sonar path to avoid them. "It’s all about trial by error, but we’ve found a way that works."

When it comes to choosing equipment for these complex inspections, Kruize and his team rely heavily on the Deep Trekker REVOLUTION ROV.

"The REVOLUTION is the top favorite for our inspectors because it’s a jack-of-all-trades," he says. "It’s sturdy, strong, and the head of the ROV can turn in a lot of directions. You don’t have to worry as much about positioning."

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for complex inspections where multiple angles are needed, allowing H2O Drones to capture comprehensive images without constantly repositioning the ROV. With its reliable technology and adaptable design, the REVOLUTION has become H2O Drones’ go-to solution.

"It’s not a long process anymore," Kruize notes. "We’ve done it so many times now, we can do it really fast with high quality. The more we’re doing this, the better the quality will be."

Frequently Asked Questions About 2D Sonar Mapping and ROVs

How Accurate is 2D Sonar Mapping?

The accuracy of 2D sonar mapping depends on several factors, including the quality of the sonar equipment, the operational conditions, and the level of operator expertise. When all factors are optimized, 2D sonar mapping can achieve impressive levels of accuracy, particularly when creating mosaics for inspections of submerged infrastructure such as dam walls, tunnels, or pipelines.

In ideal conditions, 2D sonar mapping can achieve accuracies within a few centimeters, which is sufficient for many asset inspection tasks. However, challenging conditions such as poor sonar calibration or operator error can reduce the final accuracy.

Can 2D Sonar Mapping Work In High Turbidity Environments?

Yes, but the effectiveness of sonar systems in such conditions can vary depending on the specific technology being used. High turbidity refers to waters with a high concentration of suspended particles, which can reduce visibility and potentially interfere with sonar signals.

While high turbidity can present challenges, 2D sonar mapping remains a reliable option for collecting data in these environments, provided the sonar system is properly configured and calibrated to handle such conditions.

What Is The Recommended ROV For 2D Sonar Mapping?

Selecting the right ROV for 2D sonar mapping depends on the specific needs of the project, including the size and depth of the inspection area, the type of sonar system to be used, and the operational requirements. Not all ROVs are designed to carry the heavy sonar equipment required for detailed 2D mosaics, so it's crucial to choose a model with suitable capabilities.

• Sonar Compatibility
• Maneuverability
• Depth and Range
• Flexibility of Sonar Positioning

When selecting an ROV for 2D sonar mapping, it's essential to assess these factors and choose a model that can handle the required equipment, offer maneuverability in various underwater environments, and meet the specific depth and operational needs of the inspection.

Popular models for sonar mapping include the Deep Trekker REVOLUTION and the PIVOT, both of which provide flexibility and robust functionality for sonar-based inspections. These Deep Trekker ROVs can rotate the sonar to face upward or downward, enabling operators to capture detailed images of vertical walls or other hard-to-reach areas. This flexibility is crucial for creating high-quality mosaics of vertical surfaces, which no other ROVs with fixed downward-facing sonar units are capable of.

Wrap Up

2D sonar mosaic mapping with ROVs represents a practical solution for capturing detailed, measurable images of underwater assets in low-visibility environments. By combining advanced sonar technology with Deep Trekker ROVs’ versatility, operators can create comprehensive 2D orthomosaics of structures like dam walls, canals, tunnels, and pipelines, supporting long-term maintenance and inspection efforts.

Using tools such as SoundTiles software, this approach allows engineers and inspectors to visualize and analyze inspection data in a streamlined format, offering valuable insights over time. Through detailed case studies like those from H2O Drones, we see how real-world applications of 2D sonar mapping meet industry demands for reliable, clear, and scalable underwater inspection solutions.

For more information on 2D sonar mosaic mapping or to discuss how Deep Trekker ROVs can enhance your operations, please reach out to our team.