© GeoAcoustics 2008

GeoTexture
Side Scan Sonar Image Processing, Mosaicing, Texture Mapping and Classification Software

Introduction

GeoTexture is a unique software package from GeoAcoustics for analysis of side scan sonar images.  Side scan sonar image files may be loaded, processed and mosaiced, and multiple image files may be loaded for bulk processing.

GeoTexture has a powerful suite of tools for normalising the side scan sonar image texture across the swath, which significantly improves the image quality for both human and machine interpretation.  It can also be trained to remember and recognise multiple textures across and between images, and output classified maps.  This makes GeoTexture an invaluable tool for interpreting sonar images of the seabed environment for applications ranging from civil engineering site survey to biological habitat mapping.

As well as standard side scan and image data formats, GeoTexture can also read the side scan output files from the GeoSwath Plus shallow water bathymetric sonar, offering significant benefits to existing GeoSwath users in side scan normalisation, image creation, and texture mapping.

Mosaic Generation

A mosaic image may be created or an existing one loaded.  Geo-referenced images displayed in GeoTexture Swath Mode may be drawn into a mosaic at any stage during the processing of the image.  In Mosaic Mode, multiple side scan sonar image files (.swp or .xtf formats) may be loaded for bulk processing and subjected to the same processes available in Swath Mode before being drawn into the mosaic.

Mosaic of un-normalised side scan	Mosaic of trace normalised side scan
Classified image

Feature Extraction and Image Classification

The texture mapping software extracts a feature vector around each image pixel and decides the best match with a characterised texture defined in supervised training.  The colour code for that texture is used to set the pixel colour in the classified image.

• Supports user supervised image texture characterisation
• Classified mosaic images or swaths
• Geo-referenced classified image can be saved with a world file for GIS
• Multiple user-defined training areas
• Automated feature vector extraction
• Adjustable decision threshold

GeoSwath Plus Interface

GeoTexture is designed to easily integrate with the GeoSwath Plus wide swath bathymetric sonar.  The GeoSwath collects co-registered bathymetry and true digital side scan data, from a well characterised bathymetric sonar system and motion sensor.

• Allows correction of beam pattern and beam pointing direction
• Side scan roll and heave artefacts reduced
• Bathymetry data can be used for seafloor slope correction
• Classified images can be output as GeoSwath mosaic data

Normalised and classified images of a harbour

Classified side scan image of a ferry berth showing extent of sediment disturbance

Detailed Specification
	Data Sheets & Downloads