Some image tools for sonar image processing

The trend in seafloor imaging towards using multiple sonar sensors with enhanced resolution has resulted in higher volume data sets. As a consequence, users need better, more efficient tools for data processing and interpretation. This paper describes three data processing tools useful for automating and accelerating sonar image formation. All have been validated on real data and all are Triton Elics International application products. The applications support automatic object detection, automatic seafloor classification, and sonar patch tests using backscatter information.