ISAH-S bottom classification-preliminary results

The ISAH-S program is developing bottom classification technology using acoustic hydrographic profilers. The collaborative program between Quester Tangent Corporation and the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Ocean Mapping group is developing a practical bottom classification and mapping instrument based upon algorithm development work in progress at UNB. The prototype ISAH-S has been developed. This system was field-trialed with a production survey sweep system during HYGRO 93. Several data sets have been collected, primarily at 200 kHz, using three acoustic mapping systems over well ground-truthed test sites in the Bay of Fundy. These data have been analyzed using statistical and spectral approaches. The results have been compared to ground-truth information collected during HYGRO 92 and HYGRO 93. Examples of data collected over different bottom types are shown, and the processing system used to analyze these data is described. Promising signal processing methodologies and results are described