What is the area mapped by the multibeam sonar called?

The area mapped by the multibeam sonar is referred to as a swath. This term specifically denotes the strip or band of seafloor that is covered by the sonar system during a single pass of the survey vessel. Multibeam sonar operates by emitting multiple sonar beams simultaneously across a wide angle, allowing it to capture a detailed and continuous map of the seabed along the path traveled by the vessel.

The width of the swath depends on various factors, including the water depth and the configuration of the sonar system. It is designed to maximize coverage and efficiency in underwater mapping, making it a critical concept in hydrographic surveying.

Other terms like footprint, beam, and array describe different aspects of the multibeam sonar system but do not specifically refer to the area covered by the sonar during the survey. The footprint generally refers to the total coverage area of one sonar beam on the seafloor, while a beam denotes an individual sonar signal sent out, and an array refers to the configuration of multiple sensors or beams in the sonar system.