What does SBES stand for in hydrographic surveying?

In hydrographic surveying, SBES stands for Single-beam Echo Sounder. This instrument is critical for measuring water depth and mapping underwater topography by sending a sound pulse directly down to the seabed and recording the time it takes for the echo to return. The depth is then calculated based on the speed of sound in water and the time delay of the echo.

The Single-beam echo sounder is primarily used for straightforward depth measurement and is particularly effective in less complex environments where high-resolution data is not as critical. It provides a direct measurement along a single line of survey, which is essential for various applications, including navigation safety, resource management, and habitat mapping.

Understanding the functionality and application of an SBES is vital for hydrographic surveyors, as it forms the basis for more complex surveying techniques, such as multi-beam echo sounding, which utilizes multiple beams to cover a wider area and provide more detailed data.