Page 32: of Marine Technology Magazine (September 2025)

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FarSounder Inc www.farsounder.com

FarSounder was founded more than two decades ago to combat whale strikes and oil spills. Knowing what is under the water ahead is critical to reducing accidents.

They develop the Argos 3D Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) systems, the only products on the market capable of generating a real-time, 3-dimensional image at navigationally signi? cant ranges of what is under the water ahead of a vessel. These sys- bridge computer. However, FarSounder’s data sharing pro- tems are operational and reliable at ranges of up to 1000 meters gram allows users to anonymously share data across the ? eet. (1/2 nautical mile) and speeds up to 25 knots. This provides Program participants are able to back up their LHM data to users with important information to navigate safely and avoid FarSounder’s cloud service, anonymously share it with other whales, reefs, ice, rocks, shipping containers, and more. There FarSounder customers, and receive a tide-corrected, aggre- are 3 models, Argos 1000, Argos 500, and Argos 350. They can gate map built from LHM contributions. Additionally, this detect hazards 1000m, 500m, and 350m ahead, respectively. data is shared with the global community via the IHO’s

Local History Mapping (LHM) is an Argos capability that crowdsourced bathymetry database and Seabed 2030.

gives users the ability to build a map of the sea? oor as they At the heart of the next software release, FarSounder is roll- sail. Since Argos has a wide horizontal ? eld-of-view ahead ing out a web app with a reimagined User Interface (UI). It of the vessel, a single pass of the sonar users can map a features a 3D environment with aerial imagery and nautical much wider swath of the sea? oor than a standard echo- charts, layered with Argos Sonar data. Overlays of AIS and sounder. This data is automatically recalled when returning ARPA targets are included, allowing operators to see mov- to a place previously mapped. ing and static hazards in context. For those that have SEA.AI

By default, each vessel’s LHM lives onboard the Argos cameras, those targets are also integrated in the new app’s UI.

GeoAcoustics Ltd www.geoacoustics.com

GeoAcoustics Ltd is a UK-based developer and manufac- turer of advanced hydroacoustic systems for sea? oor map- ping, subsurface imaging, and seabed characterization in marine and inland water environments.

Bathymetric Sonar high-resolution sediment layering and object detection in com- • The GeoSwath 4 provides simultaneous bathymetry and side plex geological conditions with minimal acoustic footprint. scan data with real-time quality control and ultra-wide swath The system complements the GeoPulse Compact, offering a coverage. Its compact transducer heads and ? exible integra- balance of penetration and resolution for geotechnical, archae- tion options make it ideal for hull or side mounting on diverse ological, pipeline route, and dredging surveys. These systems crewed and uncrewed surface vessels. The system is optimized are trusted for their data clarity, rugged build, and repeatable for hydrographic surveys, port and harbor mapping, environ- results across offshore, nearshore, and inland settings.

mental monitoring, and inland waterway surveys, with AI-as- GeoAcoustics received the King’s Award for Enterprise in sisted data processing to accelerate survey-to-product timelines. 2023 and was most recently recognized as a Medium Busi-

Side Scan Sonar ness of the Year at the Eastern Daily Press (EDP) Business • GeoAcoustics offers a family of side scan sonar systems Awards in November 2024. At Ocean Business 2025, it designed for high-resolution seabed imaging in both inland launched two new side scan sonar systems, GeoScan 2491 and offshore environments. The new GeoScan 2491 and and compact GeoScan 2361.

compact GeoScan 2361 tow? sh systems offer dual-frequen- GeoAcoustics’ Great Yarmouth facility includes sonar test cy imaging and ? exible deployment options. These systems tanks and electronics assembly capabilities to calibration are suited to applications including marine infrastructure setups tailored to hydroacoustic system development. On- inspection, object detection, habitat mapping, search and site resources support system integration, performance vali- recovery, and archaeological surveys. dation, and service. GeoAcoustics also has extensive subsea

Sub-Bottom Pro? ling cable molding facilities at its HQ and another specialist fa- • For sub-sea? oor characterization, the GeoPulse 2 delivers cility located nearby.

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