Echoscope Real-Time 3D Sonar Provides Unparalleled Views of Two Historic Shipwrecks in San Francisco

Coda Octopus Echoscope Real-Time 3D sonar  was used to provide the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with unparalleled 3D vibrant images of two historic wrecks in San Francisco Bay.  In November 2014, Coda Octopus Products Inc., CLE Engineering and Hibbard Inshore supplied equipment and services to assist NOAA’s efforts to survey the SS City of Chester and SS City of Rio de Janiero.  Using the Echoscope real-time 3D imaging system installed on a SAAB Sabertooth autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), this team conducted a dynamic survey and mapped these historic wrecks in San Francisco Bay. The team captured the first detailed sonar and three-dimensional images of City of Rio resting in the dark, muddy waters outside the San Francisco Bay Bridge.  The team also completed the first detailed map of S.S. City of Chester, which was rediscovered late last year in the vicinity of City of Rio. To see videos and photographs of City of Rio visit SS City of Rio de Janeiro and to see video of S.S. City of Chester visit SS City of Chester.

"The level of detail and clarity from the sonar survey is amazing,"Robert Schwemmer, NOAA West Coast Regional Maritime Heritage Coordinator said, "we now have a much better sense of both wrecks, and of how they not only sank, but what has happened to them since their loss."

NOAA was first introduced to the Echoscope technology in 2013 when Coda Octopus provided a 3D image of the Fernstream wreck in San Francisco.  After evaluating this detailed, 3D image NOAA was able to more accurately assess the potential environmental threat.    The Echoscope is a volumetric sonar that produces over 16,000 beam per ping, enabling it to provide real-time geo-referenced mapping and images. Real-time detailed images enable users to make immediate assessments, see features that may not be shown by other sonars and to adjust their dynamic survey to further reduce shadows and see more details.

Blair Cunningham, our President of Technology, said, "We are extremely pleased with the outstanding images provided during these surveys The Echoscope has proven to be an excellent archaeological tool, providing unequalled imaging.  We look forward to working with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries on future shipwreck searches. The Echoscope real time 3D sonar is again delivering real-time unparalleled imaging to our customer.”

For more information contact sales@codaoctopus.com