Multibeam echo sounder acquisiton software
SIS 5 - The "full picture" software for all EM™ multibeam echo sounder systems
The Seafloor Information Systems (SIS) has been redesigned to improve user experience and work processes. The modern window environment, menus and layout are more intuitive, helping you to work more efficiently. The 3D display handles all depths, even when displaying shallow water multibeam data at maximum ping rate.
Seafloor Information System (SIS) screen capture example
SIS Reference Manual (English)
New functionality in SIS 5.9
Multibeam echo sounders supported
- All EM® multibeam echo sounder systems
Basic system information
- Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit
- Hardware: Hydrographic Work Station (HWS)
This is an IEC 60945 and E10 maritime-certified computer. We recommend installation in a 19" rack. - Software license: Dongle connected to a USB port on the Hydrographic Work Station (HWS)
A software license for virtual machines can be provided on request.
Key features
- Screen layout with flexible and simultaneous views that you can define yourself.
- Enhanced functionality for visual and automated data quality control.
- Define all lever-arms and installation angles for all sensors.
- Calibrate the installation for optimal performance.
- Real-time Digital Terrain Model (DTM).
- Yaw, pitch and roll stabilization.
- Configure real-time or predicted tide corrections to DTM.
- All depth points are available in full-resolution 3D display in real time.
- Visualize seafloor backscatter.
- Visualize the water column.
- Monitor all sensor inputs in real time.
- Faults or dropouts are immediately reported.
- Single-click planning module.
- Import GeoTIFF backgrounds.
- Display S-57 charts using Web Map Services (WMS).
- Graphical displays for sound speed at sonar head and sound speed profile
- Create a survey in any projection with EPSG or proj.4 code.
- The helmsman's display can be configured on a second screen or a separate computer close to the helmsman.
- Built-in health tests of the multibeam echosounder and continuous monitoring of the quality of input data
- Delayed (true) heave logging for post-processing
- Error situations are logged, and notifications are provided advising what action to take.
- Monitor and control one or more EM® multibeam echo sounder systems from remotely, onshore or from another ship.
New logging format for easier post-processing
The Seafloor Information System (SIS) supports KMall. This is the logging format used by all our EM® multibeam systems. This format makes it much easier to post-process the logged data as it contains already calculated latitude, longitude, depth, time and ellipsoidal height. With SIS comes a complete set of documentation in .html format and examples in C++ and Python. These show you how to read the KMall files. Software developers will find this useful as it shortens the development time.
KMall Instruction Manual (English)
Licensing options
For an overview of the licensing options, see the comparison table (opens in new window).
SIS Full
The standard Seafloor Information System (SIS) offers a one-time cost with continuous updates and bug fixes.
The stand-alone K-Controller (K-Ctrl) application is included with every EM system. It controls the echo sounder transmissions, the configuration, settings, and filters. The K-Controller controls the EM systems while integrated with third-party acquisition software. It is fully integrated directly with SIS for easy access to system settings and configuration.
SIS Log
The SIS Log license option is delivered with every system. It logs data in 10-minute intervals for troubleshooting purposes.
Use SIS Log to record short files for our Customer Support department.
SIS Basic
The SIS Basic license contains the SIS software package without Geographic Display or gridding.
The SIS Basic is a good option if you need integration with third-party software. SIS Basic offers more data monitoring functionality than K-Controller but uses fewer computer resources.
SIS Office
The SIS Offline license allows you to use SIS offline in your office without connection to a live system.
The SIS Office allows you to pre-configure window preferences, set up and test background files, and create line plans before the survey. You can also make plans while another survey is underway and the vessel system is in use. The data can be replayed with PU Replay to review the survey data, which helps train new surveyors before going out in the field.
SIS Remote
One SIS Remote license per SIS installation on the vessel is included. No license is required on the remote computer.
EM® system software features
These features are enabled on the EM systems. They are visualized and recorded by the Seafloor Information System (SIS) or your third-party acquisition software.
EM® multi-frequency mode
This function enables the multibeam system to change the swath configuration between multibeam pings. This lets you dynamically define the frequency, swath width (coverage) and pulse mode for up to five consecutive pings. By doing this, you generate a true multi-layered dataset.
Extra detections
This feature allows detections in the water column to be captured in the KMALL format. They can then be put to use in the post-processing process. Select Extra Detection to ensure that echoes from any depth points that deviate noticeably from their adjacent depth points are displayed on the screen and logged correctly. This is useful when you survey wrecks. This is because this ensures that, for instance, echoes from a mast are displayed and recorded.
High-frequency mode
You can upgrade the EM 2040 series to 600 - 700 kHz mode. This feature offers a larger operational depth range and better resolution in shallow water.
This feature is only available for EM 2040 Single RX and EM 2040P.
Multifrequency backscatter
The multi-frequency backscatter feature improves high-resolution inspection surveys using different frequencies simultaneously and the backscatter mosaics for seafloor surface characterization. This mode provides up to five frequencies in a single pass by alternating between the frequency modes per ping.
This feature is only available for EM 2040 Single RX, Dual RX and EM 2040P.
Water column logging
Water column data can be logged to a separate file in the Seafloor Information System (SIS) for easier processing and data management.
This feature is only available for EM 124, EM 304, EM 712 and EM 2040 series.
Water column phase data logging
Water column phase logging allows you to do your own bottom or target detections more precisely. This feature is also beneficial for the accurate localization of smaller targets in the water column, such as bubbles.
You can integrate HiPAP positions via the APOS application's output into the Seafloor Information System (SIS).
With the KMall Import tool, you can display terrains without the bulky point cloud to see where you have previously mapped in the geographic display but keep the data volume on disk to a minimum.
All the relevant system documents are available in the Help menu.
You can easily integrate depth tracks from the EA single beam echo sounders into the Seafloor Information System (SIS).
You can enable the logging of Seapath data for post-processing on the Hydrographic Work Station (HWS). Log all of the necessary survey data on one computer.
The External Trigger display alerts you if the setting is activated.
You can set up a Helmsman display for the bridge crew. This helps them to navigate using the survey line plan.
The K-Controller application allows you to change the echo sounder settings and monitor the system inputs.
Any messages issued by the Seafloor Information System (SIS) are shown in the Message display.
You can keep track of the computer resources in the Numerical display.
Select File ->Storage locations to define new locations for storing ancillary data.
Select UTM North, UTM South or Custom projections when you need to configure a new survey. Use EPSG codes or PROJ.4 settings to create the new projection. The projections you choose are saved on the drop-down menu for easy selection on future surveys.
SIS Basic has all of the features of the Seafloor Information System (SIS) application minus the geographic display and gridding.
This is a typical Seafloor Information System (SIS) screen capture.
You can configure the Seafloor Information System (SIS) to notify you if the sound speed at the transducers varies too much from the sound velocity profile.
Use the data distribution configuration tool to send datagrams on the network to integrate with other software or logging tools.
Use the PU Replay tool to review data and conduct training for your crew.
Use S-57 navigational charts as backgrounds in the geographic display.
You can monitor multiple vessels in one SIS Remote configuration.
You can customize and save your preferred window layout.
Sign up for news and updates in the Help menu.
SIS Remote screen capture showing low bandwidth data transfer from ship to shore.
SIS Remote screen capture showing high bandwidth data transfer from ship to shore.
You can integrate HiPAP positions via the APOS application's output into the Seafloor Information System (SIS).
With the KMall Import tool, you can display terrains without the bulky point cloud to see where you have previously mapped in the geographic display but keep the data volume on disk to a minimum.
All the relevant system documents are available in the Help menu.
You can easily integrate depth tracks from the EA single beam echo sounders into the Seafloor Information System (SIS).
You can enable the logging of Seapath data for post-processing on the Hydrographic Work Station (HWS). Log all of the necessary survey data on one computer.
The External Trigger display alerts you if the setting is activated.
You can set up a Helmsman display for the bridge crew. This helps them to navigate using the survey line plan.
The K-Controller application allows you to change the echo sounder settings and monitor the system inputs.
Any messages issued by the Seafloor Information System (SIS) are shown in the Message display.
You can keep track of the computer resources in the Numerical display.
Select File ->Storage locations to define new locations for storing ancillary data.
Select UTM North, UTM South or Custom projections when you need to configure a new survey. Use EPSG codes or PROJ.4 settings to create the new projection. The projections you choose are saved on the drop-down menu for easy selection on future surveys.
SIS Basic has all of the features of the Seafloor Information System (SIS) application minus the geographic display and gridding.
This is a typical Seafloor Information System (SIS) screen capture.
You can configure the Seafloor Information System (SIS) to notify you if the sound speed at the transducers varies too much from the sound velocity profile.
Use the data distribution configuration tool to send datagrams on the network to integrate with other software or logging tools.
Use the PU Replay tool to review data and conduct training for your crew.
Use S-57 navigational charts as backgrounds in the geographic display.
You can monitor multiple vessels in one SIS Remote configuration.
You can customize and save your preferred window layout.
Sign up for news and updates in the Help menu.
SIS Remote screen capture showing low bandwidth data transfer from ship to shore.
SIS Remote screen capture showing high bandwidth data transfer from ship to shore.
Services and support
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24/7 Technical support
Our 24/7 technical support team is there to help at any time, day or night, wherever your vessel is.
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Conversions, retrofit and refit
We understand the importance of having the right parts, available in the right place, at the right time.
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Training
Ensure that your crew is properly and thoroughly trained. This will reduce operational risk, downtime and maximise return on asset investment.