Kongsberg Maritime has launched GeoSwath 4, the fourth generation of its GeoSwath shallow water multibeam echo sounder, brought up to date with new features, better software and improved performance after more than 10 years on the market.
GeoSwath 4 features a new look deck unit, which is smaller and lighter, with sufficient Ethernet, USB and serial interfaces to suit any combination of peripheral sensors. Inside, the new hardware enables the GS4 to transmit on both port and starboard transducers simultaneously, doubling the previous along track data density and increasing the performance and resolution as a result.
Kongsberg said GeoSwath 4 delivers very wide swath coverage, which can exceed 12x water depth, in addition to data coverage up to the water line. The system also enables reliable seabed classification and monitoring with real time side scan data, co-registered and geo-referenced and calibrated for repeatable results.
GeoSwath 4 is available in three distinct versions for versatile deployment options. The Standard version (GeoSwath 4) features the compact improved deck unit and compact transducer head as standard while the Rugged version (GeoSwath 4R) for deployment in extreme environments additionally features an IP68 rating and 24 VDC power supply. The third version is configured specifically for AUV, USV and ROV deployment (GeoSwath+ AUV/USV/ROV).
With a brand-new GUI, GeoSwath 4 has been simplified and automated for easier operation, helping surveyors to deal with complex survey situations, Kongsberg said. The new GS4 software has been specifically designed for the system and features real time processing and new automated filters. Although interfaces are available to all major packages, no third party software is needed to deliver accurate results. The software includes 64-bit acquisition and processing, improved graphics, new file formats and many additional improvements that make the system faster and easier to use.
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