Abstract: Aiming at the problems of expensive multibeam system and bumpy ship in bathymetric survey for seafloor, a digital bathymetry model based on depth data according to principle of multibeam mathymetric sonar system was designed, and a correction method of water depth survey due to effect of angular beam-width, vehicle attitude and terrain was given. Accordingly, seafloor was scanned with this model and terrain map was constructed to mimic the realtime terrain. The model and correction were verified by using practical water depth data of certain seafloor. Simulation results show that the model is in accordance with theoretical analysis and practical situation, and the correction effect of water depth is obvious. This technology has certain application value in bathymetric survey for seafloor and imitating real multibeam bathymetric sonar system.

Key words: multibeam bathymetry model, depth correction, angular beam-width, attitude, terrain