duncan mallace

- The Autonomous Future of Seabed Mapping Marine Technology, Jun 2017 #28
No longer can we truly say “95 percent of the ocean is left unexplored.” In fact, thanks to advances in satellite monitoring by pioneers such as David Sandwell and colleagues, we now have coverage of the entire ocean.

While these maps are only at a resolution of around 5 kilometers – less than current global maps of Mars and Venus – it has given us submarine topography data in locations we weren’t able to access previously. For us to really understand what lies under the surface, scientists must travel to the site and use acoustic techniques such as sonar and multibeam bathymetry to produce detailed maps. But, the financial and logistical obstacles to achieving this across the entire ocean have meant only around 0.5 percent of the seafloor has been mapped to the highest resolution achievable today. Now, the launch of 4D Ocean could mean the end of these barriers and the start of an autonomous, low-cost future in seabed mapping. Autonomous platforms will allow more people to access the technology and together, the opportunity to map Earth’s largest ecosystem in more detail than ever before.

Over the last 15 years, the transition from the single beam to multibeam echosounders has been instrumental in the broader use of bathymetry. And, along with its associated products, backscatter and water column data, this technology has helped to drive the Blue Economy. The rapid pace of developments in this field has not only been pushed by advancements in mapping techniques but also the surge in seabed mapping projects in areas such as oil and gas exploitation, dredging, maritime construction and marine conservation.

Traditionally, small survey vessels less than 16 meters long have been used to collect multibeam data in the inshore and coastal waters, with the larger vessels operating further out. Sometimes a multi-vessel approach is used whereby a field office is a setup for the inshore vessel while the offshore vessel works 24/7. The efficiency of shallow water surveys is reduced because the swath width becomes smaller in size and, because of potential hazards, surveys are nearly always daylight operations. The inshore vessels also have to transit from the local port, sometimes adding hours each way for remote locations.

The innovative U.K. based company NetSurvey Limited helped push the boundaries of multibeam technology from its infancy to the defacto tool for seabed mapping that it is today. In 2011, the company merged with MMT Group. Now this year, NetSurvey’s founder Duncan Mallace has launched 4D Ocean, an industry first company he hopes will pave the way for a next big thing in seabed mapping techniques. 4D Ocean aims to make autonomous survey the new norm for conducting seabed surveys and will provide services for hydrographic survey, coastal engineering, habitat mapping, as well as pipeline and cable surveys.

Mallace said, “I get really excited about new technology for seabed mapping. What I love most about it is taking something new and making something exceptional from it. We are unique. We don’t own vessels or have a marine crew, yet operate a full hydrographic survey capability.

“The systems we use are entirely autonomous, not remote controlled, and that includes the data collection capability too, not just the guidance.

“We are passionate about all aspects of seabed mapping and about using the very best technology.”

Autonomy in Seabed Mapping

4D Ocean believes that autonomous solutions are far more efficient than traditional methods of mapping. Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) can be deployed from almost anywhere, with state-of-the-art guidance systems which make for better survey progress, and fewer infill lines. ASVs are not constrained by harbors, so transit times are much reduced, and all systems are battery powered, using clean and green energy.

Autonomous systems do not require ports and can also access areas which are either too hazardous or too difficult to get to, making for better coverage and safer operations. The technology is also quiet – so not only is the environment protected but the data quality is far better. As well as improvements in safety and data quality, the data can also be processed immediately, thereby spotting issues early in the project and raising the efficiency of the survey process.

“We use UAVs to map the drying areas and also to identify potential hazards for the ASV. In the future, we will also be able to use the technology in larger surveys where an offshore vessel mothership launches ASVs to survey specific areas. I believe that the swarm approach, adopted by some at the moment, isn’t the one that will ultimately be used, but we are not quite there yet for giving ASVs specific areas. It won’t be far off though,” Mallace said.

4D Ocean will work closely with its ASV supplier SeaRobotics, multibeam sonar supplier R2Sonic, AUV and sonar supplier Kongsberg and its software providers QPS and Hypack to push the technology forward for the benefit of the seabed mapping community. The company is using the SeaRobotics USV 2.5, which is equipped with an R2Sonic 2020 multibeam sonar, Applanix Wavemaster inertial system and an autonomous SVP winch.

For coastal zones, the 4D Ocean has chosen the senseFly eBee Plus RTK. Mallace has chosen the best mapping drones in the industry which can survey for almost an hour to cover 12 square kilometers. This allows the operators to see where not to go with the ASV and also capture high-resolution imagery and topography of the land areas.

Mallace explained, “Very technical pieces of oceanographic or hydrographic equipment take a while to be adopted. First, the technology needs to develop a track record and prove that they fulfill the promise they have and show, economically, that it makes sense to adopt them. The technology has literally just arrived for full autonomous capability but it is the first stage, and I’m sure that there will be many improvements and features required. Collision avoidance and regulations need to be implemented before anyone can even think of not requiring a vessel further offshore or out of sight.”

“At the early stages, companies and organizations are willing to subcontract a new technology as it de-risks them. Therefore, there is now a need for an autonomous specialist company that can provide the technology to the industry. We can combine bathymetry data collected by the ASVs with topographic data and photography compiled by the UAVs to produce stunningly accurate and complete data sets.”

An Autonomous Mapping Future

Recent advancements in technology have opened the autonomous survey capability to the industry. While the technology will continue to evolve, and improve over the coming years, there will still be some challenges to overcome before 4D Ocean’s new approach can be fully adopted. Mallace said, “Local regulations may slow or stop the adoption of autonomous systems at different times around the world. For instance, the FAA in the U.S., only as recently as last year, allowed commercial UAV operations. In the Middle East being able to easily use the extended Wi-Fi on the ASVs is not yet possible. So, the biggest challenges are going to be governments and their adoption of autonomous technology. We are lucky in the U.K. that the chair of the autonomous committee is also the Deputy Director of the Navigation and Safety Branch of the MCA and is forward thinking, so I think here things will progress smoothly.”

“I’m taking this year very much as a learning exercise to find the limits of the technology and to start to introduce the autonomous systems as a natural choice. Initially, the ASV usage will be in coastal, lake and river surveys, complemented by the UAVs to ensure a seamless Sea and Land final product. The MUNIN AUV will be tasked with pipeline and cable inspection surveys. It is more about using the same survey methods but with a new platform - like getting used to using an electric car instead of a petrol one.”

Over the next year, 4D Ocean will test the performance of the ASV in different sea states, currents and surface winds, and have plans to map two coastal strips of England, some unchartered waters in Scotland and kelp habitats in South Africa. Mallace also intends to see if he can extract bathymetry from multi-spectral cameras mounted on the UAV in a similar way to satellite-derived bathymetry - a method which, if achievable, promises far greater resolution than satellites current capabilities.

“In five years’ time, I think the coastal and inshore market will be mostly surveyed by ASVs, with larger ASVs for specific tasks offshore. In 10 years’ time, we may well have serious offshore capable autonomous survey vessels for all seabed mapping tasks. The time it takes for technology to move from infancy to ubiquitous adoption is becoming smaller and smaller. I believe it won’t be long until we have an autonomous future in seabed mapping, offering low-cost, economically viable solutions. This could mean even more people can access the technology and get closer to the ultimate goal - detailed maps on the world’s oceans.”

Acknowledgements

Duncan Mallace, Founder of 4D Ocean.

(As published in the June 2017 edition of Marine Technology Reporter)

)
November 2019 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 18
Insights Coastal Protection Sea Level Rise Protecting of Ports from Storm Surge By Duncan Mellor, P.E., Principal Coastal Engineer, Tighe & Bond November/December 2019 18 MTR MTR #9 (18-33).indd 18 12/2/2019 11:48:46 AM
)
October 2019 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 45
SeaTrac’s new SP-48 production model ASV. Buddy Duncan, SeaTrac. The Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth (DKP) embayment. Credit: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries www.marinetechnologynews.com Marine Technology Reporter 45 MTR #8 (34-49).indd 45 10/8/2019 9:57:24 AM
)
July 2019 - Marine News page: 43
instantly without consulting anyone else on $6 million? Probably none. But a towboat captain has to do that, instantly, on his own.” For Captain Duncan, training keeps his skills sharp and continue to train FMT and other maritime companies while emphasizes the best ways to avoid hazardous situations
)
July 2019 - Marine News page: 41
brains was bene? cial. They make it enjoyable to go to class on your time off.” LESSONS LEARNED: EXPERIENCE CONVEYED Training and experience taught Duncan to be in posi- tion in the right place at the right time with a big, heavy tow. “That is half the battle – knowing ahead of time if you’re in a bad
)
July 2018 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 20
and creating this eco-system of collaboration that is hard to ? nd elsewhere. Highlights include: • Jones was a driving force in getting Repre- sentative Duncan Hunter (R-San Diego) to focus on BlueTech years ago. After Jones’ testimony in Washington, D.C. at the House Sub-commit- tee on Coast Guard and Maritime
)
April 2018 - Marine News page: 55
and U.S. Transportation Commander General Darren W. McDew discussed the signi? cance of the Jones Act for national security readiness. Con- gressman Duncan Hunter asked, “… Without the Jones Act, without the Maritime Security Program, without cargo preference, our ability to project the force is in
)
July 2017 - Marine News page: 54
(BSEE). “NOIA ap- (SCA) recently honored Sen. Thad Co- positions at Stanley Black & Decker. plauds Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s chran (R-MS) and Rep. Duncan Hunt- selection of Scott A. Angelle as Direc- er (R-CA) as recipients of their pres- Clark Joins NC Ports as COO tor of the Bureau of Safety and
)
June 2017 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 33
Autonomy in Seabed Mapping tures required. Collision avoidance and regulations need to be 4D Ocean believes that autonomous solutions are far more implemented before anyone can even think of not requiring a ef? cient than traditional methods of mapping. Autonomous vessel further offshore or out of sight.
)
April 2017 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 62
. Eley to Take over as Polarcus CEO Global Maritime Names Thomassen executive. Seipel has over 16 years of “Tauck Small Ship Cruising is our ? rst Duncan Eley has been appointed chief Global Maritime Consultancy & Engi- experience working in the chemicals and product line to sell out each year. By
)
April 2017 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 10
Eley Bannerman Gillespie Eley to take CEO Helm at Polarcus Wingart Joins Greensea Ashtead’s global business development Polarcus Limited has promoted Duncan Greensea appointed Kevin Wingart activities. Eley from chief operating of? cer to as quality control engineer. In this chief executive of? cer
)
November 2016 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 10
January 2012. its request to funding for one new ice- Deep Freeze. Support is now provided The current situation did not occur breaker, Representative Duncan Hunter maritime traf? c through the Northern Sea Route north of Russia and through by the one USCG polar icebreaker. overnight. Many have warned
)
October 2016 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 19
design and value of maritime facilities. There is an additional burden being applied by solutions, ef cient life cycle support enhancements, Duncan Mellor, PE Bio is a coastal and local and state agencies as they start post- waterfront engineer with a background and engineering program management
)
October 2016 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 16
OPINION: SEA LEVEL RISE An Update & Analysis of Climate Change & Rising Seas DUNCAN MELLOR he maritime Industry offers by charged topic of climate change, to take havior when transformed into real world degrees of uncertainty, especially when far the most ef? cient means of a closer look at observed
)
October 2016 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 2
of the maritime and offshore markets today and By Greg Trauthwein question remains; how fast are the seas really rising? the challenges ahead. By Duncan Mellor 26 Walter Poggi By Greg Trauthwein Walter Poggi, a ubiquitous ? gure in the world of independent lab 44 BIG DATA V. SMART DATA testing
)
September 2016 - Marine News page: 37
SHORTSEA SHIPPING Co Founders (L) Harley Franco (R) Greg Bombard courtesy of Larry Duncan new freight service began op- (SCIC) CEO. “It’s worked incredibly air quality-compliant, and the type of eration in southern Califor- well. I’m sure they put a lot of effort equipment that we brought in is more A
)
August 2015 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 24
the House by Rep- jobs and drives almost $100 billion in that the RCP is substantively equivalent the Senate ? oor sometime after the Au- resentatives Duncan Hunter (R-CA), economic bene? t to the United States. to the International Safety Management gust recess. The bill, which currently has Elijah
)
April 2015 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 103
ceremony dedi- cating a new pier at the shipyard along the San Diego waterfront. Scheduled at- tendees included U.S. Representatives Susan Davis, Duncan Hunter, and Scott Peters. “Our primary strategy and mission in San Diego is to support the U.S. Navy and its rebalance to the Paci? c,” said Er- win
)
November 2014 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 60
Committee. On the House side Congressmen Rob Wit- tman and Joe Courtney have led an ac- tive and vocal shipbuilding caucus, and Congressmen Duncan Hunter and John Garamendi have been strong proponents of a national maritime strategy. On the administration side, Maritime Adminis- trator
)
November 2014 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 27
the focus was on the impact of food aid and other cargo cuts on the U.S. ? ag-? eet. The hearing also discussed legislation introduced by Chairman Duncan Hunter and Ranking .AVAL!RCHITECTUREs-ARINE%NGINEERINGs#ONCEPT0RELIMINARY
)
October 2014 - Marine News page: 13
where it is needed. In that context, being largely non-regulato- ry is actually a strength, not a limitation. I will note that MARAD was tasked in the Duncan Hunter National De- fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 with enforc- ing the Nation’s Cargo Preference laws. We are currently in the process
)
September 2014 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 67
no reason to design or build an ugly boat.” This is clearly a dictum that those who designed and built the Noman O adhered to. Built in 1970 as the Duncan Foss by the Albina Shipyard under hull number 419, at Portland, Oregon, the tug has a fi ne shear that sweeps down the 75-foot length from a
)
July 15, 1977 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 21
International Paint Names Donald S. Otto Donald S. Otto Wm. Norman Duncan, vice president and general sales man- ager, has announced the appoint- ment of Donald S. Otto as mar- keting manager for the Heavy Marine Division of International Paint Company, Inc., New York, N.Y. Mr. Otto
)
July 2014 - Marine News page: 20
& Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer and Ranking Member David Vitter, and House T&I Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, Vice Chairman Jimmy Duncan, and Ranking Member Nick Rahall; House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs and Ranking Member Tim Bishop; Rep. Ed WhitÞ
)
July 1978 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 19
year, the Austral Pioneer will go into service between U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports and Australia and New Zealand. Mrs. McFarlane is the wife of Duncan McFarlane, director of Thomas Borthwick & Sons, Ltd. in Australia. The Austral Pioneer, the first of two containerships being con- structed