SonarWiz 8.4 by Chesapeake Technology: Feature Overview

SonarWiz 8.4 is an all-in-one software solution for geophysical, hydrographic, pipeline, archaeological, and search-and-recovery (SAR) surveys. It supports real-time data acquisition, advanced post-processing, and flexible reporting for various sonar and sensor types, including sidescan, sub-bottom, bathymetry, single beam, and magnetometry.

Key Features of SonarWiz 8.4

  1. Sidescan Sonar Module:
    • Real-time visualization and analysis of sidescan sonar data.
    • Supports data import from various hardware interfaces or stored files.
    • Advanced processing improves image quality, with tools for capturing and reporting targets in real time.
    • Compatible with systems like EdgeTech, Klein, Marine Sonic, and GeoAcoustics (e.g., EdgeTech 4125-4200 Server, Klein 5900 Server, version 8.0.0–8.3.0).
  2. Sub-Bottom Profiling:
    • Real-time data acquisition and analysis for sub-bottom profilers, providing clear subsurface imaging.
    • Supports systems like Innomar, Knudsen, and Teledyne-Odom (e.g., Innomar Sub-bottom Server, Benthos Chirp III Server, version 8.0.0).
    • Enhanced bottom tracking for noisy or soft sediment returns.
  3. Bathymetry:
    • Real-time visualization and processing of bathymetric data for seafloor mapping.
    • Supports multibeam systems like R2Sonic, Teledyne-Reson Seabat, and Norbit iWBMS (version 8.4.0).
    • Features automatic gain optimization, helm display with Plan View, and Coverage Map for efficient survey operations.
  4. Single Beam:
    • Logs and processes data from single beam, motion, and navigation sensors via serial or network connections.
    • Generates soundings, grids, and contours with intuitive XYZ tools.
    • Supports systems like Teledyne-Odom and Senbon Denki (Single Beam Server, version 8.3.0).
  5. Magnetometry:
    • Supports real-time magnetometer data for detecting ferrous objects (e.g., artifacts, pipelines).
    • Compatible with Geometrics MagElement Server (version 8.3.0).
    • New Mag RT Server in version 8.3.0 supports 1–4 Geometrics MagElement magnetometers with enhanced real-time display.
  6. General Enhancements (SonarWiz 8.4.0–8.4.1):
    • Optimized Contact Image Generation: Faster and more accurate target detection.
    • Batch Bottom Tracking: Improved processing for large datasets.
    • Stability and UI Improvements: Enhanced responsiveness, data accuracy, and export consistency.
    • Dark Mode Display: New option for better toolbar visibility.
    • Gridding Options: Supports polygon-based clipping for inside and outside areas.
    • Patch Test Reporting: Displays results and areas used for cross-section analysis.
    • Import Support: Handles 5-channel magnetic data and TOPAS.pro files.
    • Sound Velocity: Supports CTD values in import routines for improved accuracy.
    • Project Backup Cleanup: Enhances data management by removing redundant backups.
    • Bug Fix (8.4.1): Corrected an issue where the CTI Sound Velocity Editor was replaced by a prototype MagTemplateEditor.
  7. Real-Time Server Interfaces:
    • Supports a wide range of sonar systems (e.g., EdgeTech, GeoAcoustics, Klein, R2Sonic, Teledyne-Reson) with updated server versions (mostly 8.0.0–8.4.0).
    • Default server installation folder: C:\Program Files\Chesapeake Technology\Servers (auto-detected in SonarWiz 8).
  8. Applications:
    • Used in geophysical surveys, hydrography, archaeology, oil and gas exploration, marine research, and lake mapping.
    • Trusted by clients like NOAA, USGS, Fugro, Oceaneering, navies, and academic institutions.