Area-only method for underwater object tracking using autonomous vehicles

Abstract

The use of autonomous underwater vehicles for ocean research has increased as they have a better cost-to-performance ratio than crewed oceanographic vessels. For example, autonomous surface vehicles (e.g. a Wave Glider) can be used to localise and track targets even in the deep-sea. While other researchers have focused on target tracking using acoustic modems, none explored up to date the area-only target tracking methodology. Here we present such a novel method with commercially available acoustic tags, thereby reducing the costs and complexity over other tracking systems. Moreover, this method can be used to track small targets (e.g., jellyfish) due to the tag’s small size. The methodology behind the area-only technique is shown, and results from field tests conducted in Monterey Bay are also presented.