Short Course: Sonar Technology and Techniques for Collecting and Processing Bathymetric and Imaging Data

Description of the Presenter’s Qualifications and Credentials : Primary Instructor: John Loftus, PE, has been using a variety of sonar systems to collect both bathymetric and imaging data since 2008. In that time, he has imaged and surveyed hundreds of sites and structures using a variety of sonars. John has received training from: Kongsberg, R2Sonic, CODA Octopus, Teledyne, Applanix, QPS, and HYPACK. Additionally, he co-authored a paper for Ports ’22, Waterfront Inspections Using Light and Sound, on using sonars and combining data sets with LiDAR data to create models of structures. John is a Senior Project Manager and ADCI Dive Supervisor at Marine Solutions and serves as the company practice lead for inspection technology. He is responsible for managing and developing company training on collecting and processing sonar data.

Assistant Instructor: Jamie Faraldi, CH (Certified Hydrographer), has been performing hydrographic surveys since 2008. In that time, he has completed over 400 surveys associated with scour, dredging, erosion placement, construction, and debris location. Jamie is a Senior Hydrographer and Dive Supervisor at Marine Solutions and serves as the company practice lead for hydrographic surveys.

​​​​​​​Assistant Instructor: Joseph Guthrie has been performing hydrographic surveys since 2007 and sonar imaging since 2013.  In that time, he has completed over 200 surveys and imaged over 100 structures. Joseph is a Senior Project Engineer and Dive Supervisor at Marine Solutions and serves as the company practice lead for UAVs. 

Summary of the Course Content:
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to sonar technology, data collection, and processing techniques for bathymetric and imaging applications. Participants will gain an understanding of the different types of sonar systems, the data they collect, and the basics of positioning systems used in marine surveys. The course also covers essential workflows for collecting and processing bathymetric and imaging data using a variety of sonar systems and software packages, as well as quality control practices.

The course is divided into five modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of sonar and data collection:

1. Sonar

Overview: An introduction to sonar technology, including different types of sonar systems, their uses, and relevant terminology.
2. Positioning

Overview: Basics of positioning systems used in sonar surveys, focusing on the technologies and methods employed to ensure accurate data collection.
3. Bathymetric Sonar Data: A deeper dive into bathymetric sonar technology, collection procedures, and workflows. This module covers sonar and positioning data processing techniques, as well as quality control checks specific to bathymetric data.
4. Imaging Sonar Data: This module provides an overview of imaging sonar systems and their data collection techniques. It also covers sonar and positioning data workflows, and quality control processes necessary for generating high-quality imaging data.
5. Deliverables: Participants will learn how to present sonar data in various forms, including reporting, CAD integration, image presentation, and digital modeling. This module covers the necessary steps to produce and deliver final outputs for a variety of applications.

By the end of this course, participants will understand the fundamentals of different sonar technologies, the workflow for collecting and processing bathymetric and imaging sonar data, and the different deliverables available to the client. This course is ideal for facility operators, owners, and engineers seeking to use and/or collect sonar data for bathymetric surveys and imaging, waterfront engineering projects, and digital modeling tasks.

Discussion of the Applicability of the Course to the Topics of the Conference : The use of sonar for collecting bathymetric and imaging data has applications to all topics being discussed at this conference: environmental, port planning and operations, terminal planning and design, navigation and waterways, landside connections, port engineering, equipment and systems, port infrastructure, port security, and project delivery.

Target Audience for the Course : The target audience for this course is port and waterfront facility owners, planners, operators, and engineers involved in the inventory, survey, inspection, assessment, and maintenance of waterfront facilities. Also, for engineers and consultants conducting waterfront facility surveying, inspection, assessment, and repair designs. This will benefit the attendees by familiarizing them with different sonar technologies and what deliverables can be expected.

Description of the Benefit of the Course to Conference Attendees : This course highlights and educates how to use sonar technology for collecting bathymetric and imaging data to improve quality/accuracy, reduce cost, and improve safety. The course also provides tools for practitioners to enhance the practice of surveying and assessing waterfront facilities using sonar.