Automated Sea-bed Classification System For Echo-Sounders

Abstract

A method is proposed for real-time identification of the continental shelf sea-bottom type, using signal time envelopes from standard echo- sounders for fisheries and bathymetry. The method consists in comparing the reverberated signals with a set of references computed for a given sounder and a variety of water heights and sea bottom types. The basic method is at first presented. The experimental setup used for in-situ measurements is then described; the results of at-sea campaigns are finally presented and commented. 1. ECHO-SOUNDERS BACKSCATTERED SIGNALS