Laser Imaging

The use of lasers for creating topographical maps is being adapted for use in bathymetric surveys of coastal areas. Tests have shown that using lasers operating at certain wavelengths can effectively penetrate many meters of seawater thereby allowing features on the ocean floor to be mapped by aircraft rather than using ocean going vessel.

For shallow water coastal areas, where most shipwrecks happen to reside, aerial surveying of an area can be accomplished for a fraction of the cost of using survey ship methods.

At this time, airborne laser bathymetry does not have the resolution necessary to effectively locate shipwrecks. However, this technology will continue to evolve, and will very possibly become an effective tool for locating shallow water shipwrecks.

This graphic illustrates the differences in coverage between aircraft and surface ships