The Sonar Technology And Use Of Nautical Charts

The Sonar Technology And Use Of Nautical Chartsthe Sonar

Over the recent past, the popular media have been busy learning about the science of the ocean. The results from the analyzers show that much has not been discovered about the ocean. It has been said that the research for the nautical charts and the sonar technology has increased tremendously. The popular media is trying to investigate how to make the science of oceanography better than what is known (Dong, 2018). The main topics that I will discuss in this paper will include the science behind the sonar technology and the use of nautical charts.

To begin with, sonar technology may be a new term to many but it simply means the science of using the sound propagation to detect and trace the object under the sea. When divers venture deep into the sea and there is always a need to communicate from the surface of the water to keep in contact with them. The science of oceanography is to use this technology to ease the communication process. On the other hand, the science of using the nautical charts has been seen to be explored by the popular media in the current world. People are trying to inquire about the science behind these charts.

Nautical charts refer to the situation where the stakeholders involved in ocean exploration use the aspect of hydrographic surveys to generate the nautical charts. Nautical charts are used to show graphic design for the maritime regions of the coastal environment (Smith, 2018). The body of the use of sonar technology has been seen to be the most explored item by the popular media. As briefly discussed above, sonar technology refers to the use of sound propagation to detect, navigate, or communicate with objects in the deep oceanic waters. In recent times, people have been trying to understand this technology in detail since many are concerned about what happens in the oceans, including how information is sourced from the deep ocean floors. Many explorers dive deep into the ocean to study how the environment appears, what organisms live there, and the processes involved (Pelin, 2018).

How the Sonar Technology Works

Sonar technology mainly utilizes the phenomenon of echoes to transmit sound from one object to another. For instance, when sound is produced from a source, it travels through the water environment and encounters objects. When the sound wave hits an object, it is reflected back to the source or the receiver. This phenomenon is analogous to human hearing, where when we speak loudly, our voice echoes back. Marine animals such as whales utilize this echoing ability to detect nearby objects, determine their shape and size, and navigate the deep waters. Similarly, specialized sonar machines used in ocean exploration employ echo detection to locate underwater objects and measure their distances (Pelin & Salmon, 2018).

The Main Waves Used in Sonar Technology

Sonar technology employs primarily two types of waves: sonar waves and radar waves. Both are instrumental in locating underwater objects but serve slightly different purposes. Radar, derived from Radio Detection And Ranging, uses radio waves to detect objects, while sonar uses sound waves resulting from echoes to determine object locations based on the time delay of the reflected signals. Radar systems typically consist of a transmitter, an antenna, a display screen, and a receiver. The system transmits radio waves that reflect off objects, and the receiver detects the echoes, encodes the information, and displays it for analysis (Masetti et al., 2018).

On the other hand, sonar systems emit sound signals that travel through water, reflect off objects, and return to the sensor. The time it takes for the echo to return helps determine the distance to the object. Sonar is crucial for deep-sea exploration, mapping ocean floors, detecting marine life, and submarine navigation (Dong, 2018).

The Use of Nautical Charts in Oceanic Environments

Nautical charts are graphical representations of maritime areas that include critical information such as water depths, coastline features, navigational hazards, and sea routes. Developed through hydrographic surveys involving private and public sectors, nautical charts assist mariners in navigating the oceans safely. They incorporate data from various sources, including sonar surveys, satellite imaging, and physical observations, to generate accurate maps vital for maritime safety (Smith, 2018).

In recent times, nautical charts have undergone continuous modifications to improve accuracy and detail. These updates stem from advances in survey techniques and increased data collection efforts. Nautical charts are especially vital for coastal navigation, preventing accidents caused by underwater obstacles, depth miscalculations, or unexpected hazards. Mariners rely heavily on these charts to plan their routes effectively, avoid maritime accidents, and ensure safe passage through complex navigational channels (Masetti et al., 2018).

Overall, the integration of sonar technology into hydrographic surveys enhances the precision of nautical charts. Sonar systems contribute detailed bathymetric data, revealing the depth and topography of the seafloor. This data can be used to update existing charts or create new ones, significantly improving maritime safety and navigation efficiency (Pelin & Salmon, 2018).

Conclusion

The advancements in sonar technology and nautical charting have revolutionized oceanographic exploration and maritime navigation. Sonar's ability to detect and map underwater features using sound waves has provided groundbreaking insights into the undersea environment, facilitating safer navigation, resource discovery, and scientific research. Nautical charts, enriched by sonar-derived bathymetry, serve as essential navigational aids, preventing accidents and enabling maritime operations with higher accuracy. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of sonar, radar, and satellite data is expected to further enhance our understanding of the oceans, contributing to safer and more efficient maritime activities and scientific endeavors.

References

• Dong, M., Chou, W., & Yao, G. (2018). A new navigation strategy for underwater robot in reactor pool combined propeller speed detection and dynamics analysis with sonar data correction. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 55(1), 1-10.
• Masetti, G., Faulkes, T., & Kastrisios, C. (2018). Automated Identification of Discrepancies between Nautical Charts and Survey Soundings. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 7(10), 392.
• Smith, J. W. (2018). To Master the Boundless Sea: The US Navy, the Marine Environment, and the Cartography of Empire. UNC Press Books.
• Pelin, P., & Salmon, P. D. (2018). U.S. Patent Application No. 15/795,013.
• Dong, M., Chou, W., & Yao, G. (2018). A new navigation strategy for underwater robot in reactor pool combined propeller speed detection and dynamics analysis with sonar data correction. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 55(1), 1-10.
• Smith, J. W. (2018). To Master the Boundless Sea: The US Navy, the Marine Environment, and the Cartography of Empire. UNC Press Books.
• Pelin, P., & Salmon, P. D. (2018). U.S. Patent Application No. 15/795,013.
• Masetti, G., Faulkes, T., & Kastrisios, C. (2018). Automated Identification of Discrepancies between Nautical Charts and Survey Soundings. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 7(10), 392.
• Additional references could include recent technical papers on sonar and nautical charting, oceanographic databases, and official hydrographic organization publications as needed.