Sound Speed Manager: An Open-Source Initiative to Streamline the Hydrographic Data Acquisition Workflow

TitleSound Speed Manager: An Open-Source Initiative to Streamline the Hydrographic Data Acquisition Workflow
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year2017
AuthorsGallagher, B, Masetti, G, Zhang, C, Calder, BR, Wilson, MJ
Conference NameU.S. Hydro Conference 2017
Conference DatesMarch 20-23
PublisherThe Hydrographic Society of America
Conference LocationGalveston, TX
Keywordsattenuation, sound speed, survey

The use of inaccurate sound speed data heavily affects all survey products, from the bathymetry to the backscatter mosaic to the water column imagery. Thus, sound speed profiling (SSP) is a key element for any workflow that aims to collect high-quality echosounder data. Historically, surveyors have addressed SSP using a mixture of manufacturer-specific tools, spreadsheets, scripts and some manual hacking. Far from optimal, this approach carries several disadvantages such as being error prone and inconsistent among different sound profile systems. Tools such as Velocipy, SVP Editor, and HydrOffice SSP Manager have bridged this gap, but have limitations. A new open-source tool that combines the best features of these into a single “best of breed” tool is here described. A joint development of NOAA Coast Survey and UNH CCOM/JHC, but open to contributions from the wider user community, Sound Speed Manager provides a route to long-term, reliable, SSP management in a convenient, readily re-distributable, flexibly licensed, form.

URL for Proceedinghttp://www.ushydro2017.com/