Arc arrays: studies of high resolution techniques for multibeam bathymetric applications

Abstract

In this paper a theoretical study is initiated to observe the utility of directional spectral estimation techniques for `arc array' geometries. We examine the suitability of a 15 degrees arc transducer geometry for multibeam bathymetric applications. This geometry is tested using the Bartlett method for varying arc and linear arrays of 30 - elements. We also examine `high resolution techniques' such as the Maximum LIkelihood (ML) method and the Maximum Entropy (ME) methods (different orders), for 16-element arrayof 15 degrees arc. The superiorityof the high resolution methods is seen by examining the patterns of the 15 degrees arc array under multiple source/interference conditions, i.e. the situation for rough terrain or artefactcreating conditions. Furthermore, the 15 degrees arc array geometry is found to be useful for multifrequency applications at different operating wavelengths, which is useful for underwater bathymetric applications