Computer Simulations of Bathymetric Sidescan Sonar

Bathymetric sidescan sonar systems offer the potential for high-resolution mapping of the ocean bottom at a substantial reduction in survey cost because of their relative simplicity combined with improved area coverage over multibeam bathymetric systems currently in use. However, data obtained to date from bathymetric sidescan systems are not considered sufficiently accurate to meet the required hydrographic standards. We have used REVGEN, a realistic sonar simulation program, to study the performance limitations of such systems. Here, we report on the statistical behavior of the phase difference between the backscattered return received by vertically separated transducer elements, in the presence of sloping bottom features, volume reverberation and ambient noise.