Sub bottom profiling. A technique using single-beam, low frequency sonars which is employed to identify and characterize layers of sediment or rock under the seafloor. The single-beam provides a one-dimensional view of the layers of seabed below. The second dimension is provided by moving the SBP system forward.

Sub bottom imaging. A technique using multi-beam, low frequency sonars combined with synthetic aperture sonar software to generate a fully three-dimensional view of the layers of sediment or rock under the seabed. SBI can be used for detecting and classifying buried objects (such as unexploded ordinance, underwater explosive mines, buried pipelines or buried cables). SBI provides superior resolution and a full 3D image compared to the lower-resolution and 2D profile of an SBP

Synthetic Aperture Sonar. SAS is a form of sonar in which sophisticated signal processing of sonar data is used to “synthesize” an artificial aperture up to 10-25x longer than the real, physical aperture length. The result is ultra high definition images and increased range, resolution and ACR as compared to real aperture sonar. SAS is analogous to synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

Real Aperture Sonar. The sonars aperture is the actual length of the receive array.

A sonar setting which represents a distance, usually measured in metres, that is the maximum distance from the towfish or AUV that the sonar will display (the range setting on the sonar also determines the time between outgoing sonar pulses); also synonymous with the cross-track dimension. Once the range setting on the system is set, when returning echoes arrive from that distance away from the transducer, the ping cycle starts again and a new acoustic pulse is transmitted in to the water.

Robotics as a service. Refers to an offering where AUVs can be deployed and data delivered to the customer as a service as opposed to the customer having to own, deploy, and maintain the data collection asset (i.e. AUV)

Remotely Operated Vehicle. This is an underwater vehicle that is connected to an operator via power and/or communication tether. ROV categories include work class, inspection class, or observation class.