Which term describes the detail level of a multibeam sonar compared to conventional echo sounders?

The term that best describes the detail level of a multibeam sonar compared to conventional echo sounders is resolution. Resolution refers to the ability of a sonar system to distinguish between closely spaced objects or features on the seafloor. Multibeam sonar systems provide much finer resolution because they emit multiple beams of sound across a wide swath of the seafloor simultaneously, allowing for detailed mapping of underwater features. This high level of detail enables hydrographic surveyors to detect and map small objects, variations in the seabed, and other crucial features that might go unnoticed with the narrower sampling of conventional single-beam echo sounders.

In contrast, range describes the distance that the sonar can measure, accuracy pertains to how close measurements are to the true values, and frequency relates to the number of sound wave cycles per second, which influences the sonar’s penetration capability and resolution indirectly. However, resolution specifically captures the detail level provided by the multibeam sonar technology compared to traditional methods.