Hydrographic surveys of rivers and lakes using a multibeam echosounder mapping system

Fact Sheet 2018-3021
By:  and 

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Abstract

A multibeam echosounder is a type of sound navigation and ranging device that uses sound waves to “see” through even murky waters. Unlike a single beam echosounder (also known as a depth sounder or fathometer) that releases a single sound pulse in a single, narrow beam and “listens” for the return echo, a multibeam system emits a multidirectional radial beam to obtain information within a fan-shaped swath. The timing and direction of the returning sound waves provide detailed information on the depth of water and the shape of the river channel, lake bottom, or any underwater features of interest. This information has been used by the U.S. Geological Survey to efficiently generate high-resolution maps of river and lake bottoms.

Suggested Citation

Huizinga, R.J., and Heimann, D.C., 2018, Hydrographic surveys of rivers and lakes using a multibeam echosounder mapping system: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2018–3021, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20183021.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Using Sound Waves to Map River and Lake Bottoms
  • The Multibeam Echosounder Mapping System
  • Applications of the Multibeam Echosounder Mapping System
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrographic surveys of rivers and lakes using a multibeam echosounder mapping system
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2018-3021
DOI 10.3133/fs20183021
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Missouri Water Science Center
Description 6 p.
Country United States
State Missouri
Online Only (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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