A multiparametric method for the classification of the seabed from acoustic backscattered signal

摘要

A considerable amount of multibeam data has been collected by the Italian Hydrographic Institute in the past years in the framework of operational hydrographic activities. While bathymetry was the main focus of these data acquisitions, backscatter intensity was also stored and kept for further analyses. Nevertheless, these data contain more information than they have been used, included the acoustic backscatter. Managing these data could allow the characterization of the seabed exploiting the physical features of the acoustic backscatter. Multibeam data collected during recent hydrographic survey in Otranto (Italy) carried out by ITS Galatea have been processed and validated to produce a seabed habitat map. The aim of this study is the development of a multiparametric seabed classification method making use of acoustic and ground truth data.