A computer-controlled, multi-modal survey system for shallow water/continental shelf mineral prospecting has been developed and put to effective use in defining offshore prospect potential. The computer controls shore-based navigation, track plotter for track line spacing control, a digital bathymetric profiler, an electromagnetic sound source with sub-bottom penetration up to 75 meters (240 feet), a high resolution piezo-electric sub-bottom profiler for acquisition of detailed shallow depth structural information, and a magnetometer for defining ferromagnetic anomalies. Hard and soft data records are maintained by printing all inputs on paper and recording them on magnetic tape.
The system is especially unique, due to its portability. Transport anywhere in the world can be easily accomplished by utilizing commercial aircraft. This ease of transport makes it also very attractive for work in remote areas where access is difficult. Small but adequate boats can even be included in air transport.
With the addition of sampling tools such as cone dredges, a portable shallow water (up to 40 meters [120 feet]) drilling rig, and field assay kits, a complete on-site mineral prospecting facility is available at minimal expense.
Computer-interfaced data reduction is achieved directly from field-stored data, thereby eliminating considerable data handling commitment.
Offshore mineral resources often occur in remote areas of the world. Over the last several years, our participation in numerous exploration programs has permitted us to design, develop, and implement an integrated system. It meets the requirement of exceptional portability that is a necessity when doing effective, cost-conscious exploration work in remote areas. Although it is composed of sophisticated electronic systems, it is capable of being operated from small boats.
The heart of the system is a specially-built micro- processor that controls, programs, stores, converts and integrates data for a suite of discreet surveying functions. Among these are positioning, bathymetry, magnetometry, various seismic profilers, and side-scanning sonar. These sub-systems will be described in the following sections along with the micro-processor and how they are integrated operationally.
The basic premises through which this system evolved are devoted to operational efficiency based on extensive field experience. Fundamentally, the system is extremely portable, weighing on the order of 250kilos (500 pounds). Secondly, it is designed to be broad-spectrum in application so that a maximum range of capability is exercisable. Thirdly, it is des1gned to be operationally efficient so that cost-effective time frames can be maintained in a day-to-day field operation routine.
The micro-processor is the heart and nerve center of the system. It was designed to facilitate data entry and command functions so that real time data acquisition and system control occur during a survey. All timing and system interfacing is handled via software techniques.
