Study On the Optimal Layout Method for Multibeam Bathymetry Based on Dynamic Programming

Abstract

Multibeam sonar technology is widely used in fields such as marine science. Compared to single-beam systems, it offers greater coverage and precision. However, the coverage width and overlap rate are easily influenced by factors such as water depth, opening angle, and seabed slope, which in turn affect data acquisition accuracy and efficiency. Specifically, this study employs the sine theorem and principles from plane geometry to develop mathematical models for bathymetry in sloping submarine environments. A method for determining survey line coverage width in these areas is also proposed. In terms of maritime area network planning, an objective framework is established to compare various network configurations within known seabed topography, identifying the optimal layout. Using a dynamic programming algorithm for model solving, this paper finds that when the survey ship travels north-south, conducting 34 surveys with unequal spacing, the adjacent overlap rate between survey lines can be maintained at 10% to 11%, with the shortest total survey line length being 125,936 meters. The effectiveness of the proposed models is validated through comprehensive evaluation metrics and error band analyses.