Research Summaries

Back Bathymetric Mapping for Change Detection in Harbor and Riverine Environments

Fiscal Year 2011
Division Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Investigator(s) Horner, Douglas P.
Sponsor Office of Naval Research (Navy)
Summary This proposal addresses the need for a bathymetric, forward-looking sonar for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and an autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV). The goal is to conduct research into efficient navigational algorithms that take the sonar input to produce a consistent, highly accurate subsurface map of a harbor or river area. In the case of the AUV, the map is created without the benefit of surfacing for Global Positioning System (GPS) fixes. In the case of the ASV, the goal is to create the ability for riverine forces to operate effectively at night through the development of real-time bathymetry maps. The NPS Center for Autonomous Vehicle Research (CAVR) was created to conduct challenging research into unmanned systems and give students access to engineering projects that are directly linked to naval operations. This proposal addresses how bathymetric forward-looking sonar could enhance the Center's research ability in four areas: Intelligent Autonomy, Multi-Vehicle Collaboration, Change of Direction and Feature-Based Navigation. These research areas are expected to significantly improve several naval mission areas including Riverine Warfare, Organic Mine Countermeasures, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO).
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal