Multibeam Crash Course
From Introductory Foundations to Advanced Field Techniques
From Fundamentals to Field Expertise
A 5-day intensive workshop with an optional at-sea component, designed to help hydrographers build a strong foundation in multibeam operations—from sonar setup and data acquisition to uncertainty management and field troubleshooting. Tailored to all experience levels, this course blends essential theory with real-world application so participants can walk away with both clarity and confidence.
Build confidence in the field with this practical, 5-day training.
Designed for both new and experienced surveyors, this course covers the essentials of multibeam sonar—from system setup and acquisition to uncertainty management and QA/QC. Learn how to make smarter, real-time decisions and troubleshoot issues before they become problems. Optional at-sea training ensures immediate application.
"JB leaves the marketing pamphlets at the door and cuts down to the core concepts that everyone in the industry needs to know. No matter if you're starting out or a veteran, this course will boost your confidence in multibeam decisions—whether in the office or in the field."
— Joseph Adamski, Multibeam Crash Course
Who It's For
Designed for hydrographers, surveyors, and technical teams who want to:
Strengthen their understanding of multibeam systems and survey design
Gain hands-on experience with sonar settings and uncertainty management
Improve their ability to troubleshoot in the field or during post-processing
Build a strong foundation for data quality, efficiency, and operational confidence
Key Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand key concepts in sonar geometry, resolution, and density
Adjust sonar and acquisition settings to meet project goals
Apply real-time uncertainty mitigation strategies
Confidently troubleshoot multibeam issues in both field and office settings
Improve communication and decision-making across survey teams
Our Process
Before the Course
Participants complete a pre-course questionnaire to identify knowledge gaps, field challenges, and professional goals. This shapes a tailored delivery plan for each session.
During the Course
Instruction is delivered through a balance of theory, applied examples, visual explanations, and participant-driven Q&A. Optional on-water training ensures concepts are directly applied using your own hardware and software setup.
After the Course
A recap and goal-setting session supports personal and team development. A follow-up touchpoint (3–6 months later) helps teams stay accountable and track real-world implementation of what they’ve learned.
Prerequisites
Participants should have basic familiarity with hydrographic survey workflows and multibeam systems.
The course is suitable for both early-career professionals and experienced surveyors seeking to deepen their understanding or refresh foundational concepts.
What You’ll Learn
Core Topics Include
Multibeam system overview and theory fundamentals
Bathymetric acquisition: sonar geometry, resolution, ping rate, line planning
Real-time monitoring: motion effects, stabilization, and adaptive techniques
Uncertainty: TPU, accuracy standards, and human factors
Processing workflows: best practices in QA/QC and troubleshooting
Sensor-agnostic insights with optional sensor-specific guidance
Course Material
Participants will receive
Digital lecture notes and visual aids used during the course
Reference guides and workflow examples
Access to additional resources recommended by the instructor
Optional note-taking devices (e.g., laptops or tablets) are welcome but not required. No software installation is necessary for classroom participation.
Venue
Onsite delivery is recommended to maximize engagement and team interaction.
Courses can also be delivered in online or hybrid formats depending on participant location and preferences.
Optional at-sea sessions are conducted on the client’s vessel using their own multibeam hardware and acquisition software.
