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Survey Strategy
This page describes how to operate the system to produce accurate and usable maps.
Map quality is determined as much by how data is collected as by how it is processed.
The system samples depth along a path.
The map is built from:
- where the ROV travels
- how measurements are spaced
- how consistently the system is operated
Better movement → better data → better maps
Move the ROV in straight, parallel lines across the survey area.
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This produces:
- even coverage
- consistent spacing
- minimal gaps
Line spacing should be based on depth and desired resolution.
- shallow water → tighter spacing
- deeper water → wider spacing
General guideline:
- spacing ≈ 2–5× expected depth
Maintain a consistent, slow speed.
- faster movement → larger gaps between samples
- inconsistent speed → uneven sampling density
- move slowly and steadily
- avoid sudden acceleration
Keep the ROV as level as possible.
- pitch and roll distort depth measurements
- angled sonar increases error
- avoid sharp turns
- allow system to stabilize before collecting data
- maintain consistent orientation during passes
Monitor GPS conditions during operation.
- satellite count
- HDOP
- fix stability
- wait for a strong GPS fix before starting
- avoid areas with obstruction
- pause data collection if GPS quality drops
Ensure full coverage of the survey area.
- leaving gaps between paths
- uneven spacing
- incomplete edge coverage
- overlap edges slightly
- extend beyond area of interest
- verify coverage visually when possible
Sampling density determines map resolution.
- more detail
- better interpolation
- smoother results
- less accuracy
Depth affects both sensor behavior and mapping strategy.
- higher resolution possible
- tighter spacing recommended
- lower resolution acceptable
- wider spacing possible
To improve accuracy:
- maintain steady speed
- minimize tilt
- ensure consistent spacing
- avoid noisy environments
- verify sensor operation
- check all sensors
- confirm SD logging
- wait for GPS fix
- follow planned path
- maintain steady motion
- monitor system status
- review coverage
- check data quality
- re-run areas if needed
The system does not map an area directly.
It builds a representation from:
- sampled points
- spatial distribution
- interpolation
The quality of the final map depends on how well the survey path captures the structure of the environment.
Good maps come from:
- consistent movement
- controlled spacing
- stable measurements
- complete coverage
The system provides the tools, but the survey strategy determines the result.