AUV-based magnetic detection and localization of submerged munition objects
The integration of submersible magnetometers into GEOMAR’s Girona 500 hovering AUVs renders the possibility of conducting fully autonomous geomagnetic surveys underwater. While the most representative application of this system is the detection and localization of underwater munitions (UneXploded Ordnance / UXO), the spectrum of applications covers the monitoring of critical infrastructure like cables, pipelines, harbors and sea lanes, and other scientific fields like underwater archeology. For ground‐truthing purposes, the AUV is equipped with a high‐resolution camera.
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GEOMAR's Girona 500 AUV "Luise" with four submersible magnetometers and camera system. © Marc Seidel, DSM, GEOMAR