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Sidescan Sonar enables the collection of virtual images of the sea floor. The resulting images are somewhat similar to aerial photographs and allow rapid surveying of relatively large areas of seabed for fairly large features. Such data is not of use in developing accurate three dimensional maps of the bottom, unlike multibeam swath bathymetry, but by "mosaicing" several sidescan sonar lines together, one can build up a good understanding of the major features of the sea floor quite easily. Modern sidescan sonar has increased in resolution to a startling degree recently, to the point that advanced modern sidescan systems can produce almost photorealistic impressions of the seabed, as seen below. Sidescan Sonar. Image courtesy Marine Geosolutions. Mosaic produced from several sidescan sonar traces. Image courtesy Marine Geosolutions. Shipwreck seen by sidescan sonar. Image courtesy Marine Geosolutions. Visit Marine Geosolutions.
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