Do Single Beam Echo Sounder?

Single beam echo sounders (SBES), also known as depth sounders or fathometers determine water depth by measuring the travel time of a short sonar pulse, or “ping”. The sonar ping is emitted from a transducer positioned just below the water surface, and the SBES listens for the return echo from the bottom.

What is a single beam echo sounder used for?

Singlebeam Echosounders are used to measure the depth to the seafloor by using the properties of acoustic waves. The time lag between the sound being emitted and the returning echo is used to calculate the water depth beneath the boat.

What's the difference between single beam and multibeam echo sounder?

Unlike a single beam echosounder (also known as a depth sounder or fathometer) that releases a single sound pulse in a single, narrow beam and “listens” for the return echo, a multibeam system emits a multidirectional radial beam to obtain informa- tion within a fan-shaped swath (figs. 1, 2).