Singlebeam

A singlebeam sonar can be used to map the sea floor. In contrast to a multibeam system, only the depth along line of travel is mapped. When the sonar beam is emitted, the system accurately determines the time between sending and receiving a pulse. Because the wave speed through water is known, it is possible to determine the waterdepth.

A singlebeam is used to map the sea floor, across a section line. It is also possible to map the thickness of the silt layer by using multiple frequencies.