Integration of deeptow data for mapping of deepsea resources

Abstract

Deeptowed photographic and acoustic surveys in the Pioneer Area in Central Indian Basin, resulted in collection of 52,295 photographs, 450 hours of video record and 1129 km of sub-bottom and side scan data. Data-processing involved two main approaches: (i) qualitative-delineation of areas with different features, such as nodules, crusts, biological activity etc., from observation of video record; and (ii) quantitative-mapping of nodules and other seabed features from photographic and acoustic data. Mapping of nodules and other features (crusts, biological activity and sediment characteristics) was carried out by integrating the data from various sources, such as navigation, photographic and acoustic, keeping time as the reference, by apecially developed softwares