Scanning sonars assist underwater searches

摘要

Scanning sonar is fast becoming one of the tools of choice for underwater search operations by a diverse group that includes public safety dive teams, universities, and commercial diving companies. Scanning sonars are in demand because they create a "picture" of the underwater environment regardless of water clarity. Although these sonars lack the long range and very high resolution of sidernscan, they can often still give a larger picture of the underwater environment than that of an underwater camera or diver. Even in areas where there is zero visibility, the sonar can produce a detailed image of objects on the bottom or in the water column.