WHAT IS MULTIBEAM ECHO SOUNDING (MBES)?
SINGLE VS MULTI BEAM COMPARISON
Single Beam Echo Sounder (SBES) measures depth at a single spot directly below the sensor, requiring multiple survey lines to cover an area.
Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) returns multiple depth points across a wide swath with each ping, dramatically reducing survey time.

MBES VS SBES ADVANTAGES
MBES Benefits | SBES Benefits |
---|---|
Higher resolution bathymetric models | Longer depth range capability |
Complete seafloor mapping with swath coverage | Dual-frequency options available |
Better productivity - requires fewer survey lines | Less dependent on sound velocity profiles |
Significantly better data density/resolution/bathymetric coverage | Simpler operation, more accurate for single points |
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WHY CERULEAN SURVEYOR 240-16 MBES?
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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Ultra-lightweight: 790g in air, 145g in water
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Integrated IMU for pitch and roll compensation
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16-beam configuration optimal swath coverage
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240kHz frequency for shallow-medium depth

COMPLETE SYSTEM COMPONENTS
HARDWARE PLATFORM
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M350/M400/compatible drones
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SkyHub + True Terrain Following
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MBES on foldable arm
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Integrated GPS/GNS


SOFTWARE SUITE
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UgCS Desktop + Companion
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SkyHub MBES package
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BeamworX processing
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Hydromagic support (coming)
DATA PRODUCTS
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Cerulean SVLOG format
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LAZ point cloud export
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Industry-standard formats
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Professional deliverables

DATA PROCESSING WORKFLOW
Professional MBES data processing workflow similar to LiDAR processing - delivering industry-standard point cloud products

Raw Data Collection
Cerulean SVLOG Format
Raw multibeam data automatically logged onboard SkyHub during flight operations
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16-beam multibeam data
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Integrated IMU for pitch/roll
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GPS positioning data
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Real-time data validation

Patch Test & Calibration
BeamworX AutoPatch
Automated calculation of pitch/roll/heading corrections for proper swath alignment
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Specific data collection patterns
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Automatic stripe alignment
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Sensor mounting corrections
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Quality control analysis

Final Processing & Export
BeamworX AutoClean
Professional data cleaning and point cloud generation
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LAZ export as main product
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Industry-standard formats
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Automated outlier removal
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Professional deliverables
SOUND VELOCITY CONSIDERATIONS
CRITICAL FOR ACCURACY
Sound speed variations affect beam geometry and depth accuracy:
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High velocity estimates: "smile" effect (upward curve)
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Low velocity estimates: "frown" effect (downward curve)
Recommended Profilers:


Teledyne Valeport SWiFT SVP
(FOB UK)
Hydro-Tech SVP1500
(FOB China)

When the measured (estimated) sound velocity is higher than it should be, a flat surface will bow upwards (eg. ‘smile’) and when it’s too low, a flat surface will bow downwards (eg. ‘frown’).