Abstract
This paper demonstrates that accurate data concerning bathymetry as well as environmental conditions in shallow waters can be acquired using sensors that are integrated into the same marine vehicle. An open prototype of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) named MicroVeGA is described. The focus is on the main instruments installed on-board: a differential Global Position System (GPS) system and single beam echo sounder; inertial platform for attitude control; ultrasound obstacle-detection system with temperature control system; emerged and submerged video acquisition system. The results of two cases study are presented, both concerning areas (Sorrento Marina Grande and Marechiaro Harbour, both in the Gulf of Naples) characterized by a coastal physiography that impedes the execution of a bathymetric survey with traditional boats. In addition, those areas are critical because of the presence of submerged archaeological remains that produce rapid changes in depth values. The experiments confirm that the integration of the sensors improves the instruments’ performance and survey accuracy.
Highlights
Bathymetric information is fundamental in all branches of oceanography, paleoclimate studies, and marine geology
Is the coastal physiography that prevents any bathymetric surveys with traditional boats
We have described a prototype of a marine drone optimized for very shallow water, which enables bathymetric surveys to be performed in areas that are not feasible for traditional boats
Summary
Bathymetric information is fundamental in all branches of oceanography, paleoclimate studies, and marine geology. It can be supplied by maps that indicate the water body depth as a function of the position (latitude and longitude), similar to topographic maps representing the altitude of the Earth’s surface at different geographic coordinates [1]. Most techniques for obtaining these data are difficult to use in shallow waters where bathymetric surveys often entail expensive measurement costs. For most bathymetry acquisition techniques, it is not possible to obtain a better vertical accuracy than 0.5 m at the 95% confidence level. LiDAR and/or maritime vessels are the only options for surveys with an accuracy requirement of 0.5 m with a 95% confidence level. Other remote sensing techniques can be used only if the accuracy requirements are relaxed to 2 m, 95% confidence [2]
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