MBES uses hundreds of very tightly packed arrays of narrow individual beams arranged in a fan-like swath of typically 90–170degrees across, and provides very high angular resolution and accuracy.

What is multibeam swath bathymetry?

Multibeam uses a number of sound pulses from a hull mounted system, that covers a fan on either side of the vessel, across track. ... The maximum scan angle is fixed, so the swath width depends on the water depth, and the swath is typically about 5.5 times the water depth.

What is swath mapping?

Principle: Multibeam or swath mapping sonars transmit a broad acoustic pulse from specially designed transducers across the full swath across track. The swath width is determined by the depth of the seafloor being surveyed. The ping is emitted in a fan shape outward from the transmitter.