Bathymetric Scanner for Underwater Terrain Survey using Embedded System and TF Mini LiDAR Sensor

Abstract

Deep-sea terrains are hard to map, some because they are remote others because of danger and some, are just too hard. The current way of mapping sea terrains is done by a multi-beam echo-sounder which is attached to a submarine.This is an inefficient technique for various reasons, to start with it is just too expensive, risky and time-consuming. Deep-sea terrain mapping is important because it helps us understand the Earth’s environment and it can better help to understand how to respond to natural disasters. The multibeam works by emitting several single narrow beams. The transducer is mounted in the keel of the ‘RV Simon Stevin’(A boat used to perform coastal oceanographic research) and produces a range of sound waves. With thistechnology, the bed of the sea is examined with a line of continuous beams that are perpendicular to the travelling vessel. To do this the device has to be in the water on the keel of the boat making it an expensive endeavor. To combat this issue we have developed a remote lidar scanner that can be used to map out deep sea terrains using a TF mini LiDAR. The scanner builds out a 3D printable PLA Material device that works as an x-y scanner and gives terrain surface data by scanning the terrain with coordinates and graphing out those coordinates.

Our device can easily be deployed at a much cheaper and quicker rate. Our product will be able to revolutionize this space and increase the advancement in this field at an exponential rate. The device that we have developed can be remotely controlled meaning that there is minimal risk and maximum efficiency. The device can be mounted on any form of transportation and builds images from above the water or terrain. Through building a 3d model, the user would be able to rotate the model and virtually explore it giving users a better understanding of the terrain they are exploring and also minimizing the risk.