[Mechanical News] GeoView Co., Ltd., in joint research with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO), has successfully developed the localized “Acoustic 3D Scanner,” a marine exploration device designed for precise acquisition of seabed geological information.
The newly developed Acoustic 3D Scanner significantly improves exploration precision compared to conventional imported equipment. It allows for rapid exploration of targeted seabed areas by providing a three-dimensional view of the seabed, reducing exploration time by up to 50%.
This development was part of the “Future Ocean Industry Technology Development Project,” a program supporting the commercialization of practical technologies in the marine field. It was conducted over three years, starting in 2016, with support from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Institute of Marine Science and Technology Promotion (KIMST).
During the research and development phase, assistance was provided by domestic and international expert groups in areas such as design, stability analysis, manufacturing, and commissioning. The technology underwent three rounds of field testing to validate its performance.
In particular, a test supported by the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage in the West Sea demonstrated the device’s exploration capabilities by accurately measuring the size and burial depth of a submerged ancient ship.
Traditional towed exploration methods were highly susceptible to inaccuracies due to sea conditions and vessel movement. However, the newly developed device eliminates such issues by resting on the seabed to collect geological information. This significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio and enhances horizontal resolution to within 10 cm, achieving the highest level of precision.
Additionally, by focusing only on the target area, the device reduces exploration time by more than 50% compared to conventional geological exploration methods. Unlike two-dimensional analysis, which relies on overlapping data for interpretation, the Acoustic 3D Scanner provides high-quality three-dimensional imagery.
Weighing less than one ton, the device is well-suited to the shortage of coastal exploration vessels in South Korea. It is expected to contribute to high-quality seabed geological data collection for underwater cultural heritage excavation, marine resource development, offshore wind farm construction, and marine plant installations.
In addition, the Acoustic 3D Scanner, developed entirely with domestic technology, introduces a new exploration paradigm as a seabed-deployed device. Its core technology is expected to facilitate import substitution in the seabed geological exploration field and expand the export of technical services.
Kim Hyun-do, CEO of GeoView Co., Ltd., stated, “We have signed a joint commercialization agreement with Innomar, a German high-frequency sub-bottom profiler company, and an MOA with Dolphin Geo Subsea in Singapore for equipment sales and technical services. This has laid the foundation for entering the global market from South Korea, a country previously barren in the field of marine exploration equipment.”
Reported by Sang-mi Oh, osm@mtnews.net
