Digital mapping of side-scan sonar data with the Woods Hole Image Processing System software

Since 1985, the Branch of Atlantic Marine Geology has been involved in collecting, processing
and digitally mosaicking high and low resolution sidescan sonar data. In the past, processing and
digital mosaicking has been accomplished with a dedicated, shore-based computer system.
Recent development of a UNIX-based image-processing software system includes a series of task
specific programs for pre-processing sidescan sonar data. To extend the capabilities of the
UNIX-based programs, development of digital mapping techniques have been developed. This
report describes the initial development of an automated digital mapping procedure. Included is
a description of the programs and steps required to complete the digital mosaicking on a UNIXbased
computer system, and a comparison of techniques that the user may wish to select.