image
Calibrating the Split-Beam Sonars
During the 2026 Mapping Shakedown, expedition team members calibrated the split-beam sonars (over 18 hours!) to ensure the data they collect during future exploration are as accurate as possible. For each of the split beam sonars, this calibration is done by suspending a small tungsten-carbide sphere 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) directly beneath the sonar (mounted on the underside of the ship). The ball is then “pinged” at least 100 times by the sonar, and the results are compared to the known “target strength” of the ball (determined by its size and density) with the goal of matching that strength. If they don’t match, the sonar is adjusted until they do.