Multibeam Processing
Flexible Workshop Tailored to Your Multibeam Experience
From Fundamentals to Field Expertise
A 5-day practical workshop with an optional at-sea component, designed to help hydrographers sharpen their understanding of multibeam systems—fast. Learn to optimize sonar settings, manage uncertainty, and make confident, data-driven decisions in the field and at your desk.
Refine your processing workflow and deliver better results.
This course helps hydrographers move from raw data to final deliverables with clarity and control. Learn how to identify and fix common issues, apply effective cleaning techniques, and produce survey-grade outputs. Ideal for anyone looking to sharpen their post-acquisition skills and improve survey turnaround.
“This is a MUST DO course for anyone in the hydrographic surveying industry. The course content and Jonathan's delivery methods provide a perfect combination for a deeper understanding of the theoretical aspects of hydrographic surveying—and how to apply that understanding in the real world. A great course to help with troubleshooting, everyday field decisions, and best practices.”
— Rafe Penington, Multibeam Crash Course
Who It’s For
Designed for hydrographers, surveyors, and technical teams who want to:
Improve survey data quality and efficiency
Confidently adjust sonar settings in the field
Understand multibeam fundamentals and apply them in practice
Key Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Estimate object detection and resolution with confidence
Balance vessel speed, swath width, and ping rate for targeted density
Anticipate and adapt to uncertainty in real time
Apply practical, sensor-specific advice from field-tested methods
Our Process
Before the Course
Attendees complete a questionnaire to identify skills, pain points, and goals. Curriculum is tailored accordingly.
During the Course
Customized instruction mixes theory, field-tested workflows, and participant-driven Q&A. Optional vessel day ensures direct application.
After the Course
Participants set individual and team development goals. A follow-up session (3–6 months later) helps track progress, share outcomes, and ensure accountability.
Prerequisites
Participants should have basic familiarity with hydrographic survey systems and workflows, ideally with at least one field season of experience. The course is suitable for a range of participants—from early-career professionals looking to build core competencies to seasoned practitioners seeking to refine techniques and troubleshoot more effectively.
What You’ll Learn
Sonar Controller & Acquisition Systems
Quick tour, key functionality
Resolution:
Imaging geometry, beamwidth, beam steering, pulse length/type, sensor-specific advice
Density:
Speed, swath geometry, ping rate, real-time monitoring, motion effects, line planning, stabilization
Uncertainty:
Accuracy standards, TPU, adaptive survey practices, human error mitigation
Backscatter:
Fundamentals, impact of sonar settings, acquisition best practices (general, sensor-specific, software-specific)
(5-days in-class + optional 1 day at sea on your vessel with your hardware/software)
Core Topics Include
System Fundamentals & Sonar Geometry
Overview of multibeam echo sounder systems
Understanding beam steering, beamwidth, and pulse types
Sound velocity profiles, refraction effects, and depth calculation
Practical visualizations to explain how the system “sees” the seafloor
Resolution & Density
How to control and evaluate resolution
Trade-offs between speed, swath width, ping rate, and line planning
Motion compensation, stabilization, and survey optimization
Real-time monitoring techniques for better data outcomes
Uncertainty & Accuracy
Total Propagated Uncertainty (TPU): what it is and how to manage it
Accuracy standards (IHO, CHS, etc.) and real-world implications
Human error and sensor integration challenges
Adaptive survey techniques for changing conditions
Processing & QA/QC Best Practices
Initial bathymetry cleaning and QC workflows
Feature detection and seafloor classification basics
Data troubleshooting: identifying and correcting errors at source
Communicating data quality internally and to clients
Sensor-Agnostic & Sensor-Specific Strategies
Universal principles applicable across all multibeam systems
Optional deep dives into vendor-specific workflows and tools (based on group needs)
Optional At-Sea Component
Reinforce learning with an applied day on the water, using your own hardware and software setup. Get expert feedback on acquisition techniques, sonar settings, and real-time decisions.
Venue
For maximum impact and team engagement, onsite delivery is encouraged. The course can also be delivered fully online with all participants joining remotely, or as a hybrid model with a mix of in-person and virtual attendees. On-vessel components are tailored to your equipment, location, and operational goals.
