Side-Scan Sonar: Selective Textural Enhancement

A variety of signal processing techniques are available which can assist the interpretation of side-scan sonar. In exploring the range of possibilities for processing with these techniques we have developed selective tuning of textural enhancement for different textural wavelengths. In practice we have found it desirable to be free to decide on tuning, or whether to use textural enhancement at all, based on tests simulating the survey conditions as faithfully as possible. Test targets 1-2 meters long were recorded well on three alternative recordings, but were more readily identifiable when fine and grose bottom textures were suppressed by an intermediate selection of textural enhancement. If the bottom texture had been of interest, a different choice would have been made.