On the technology side, the highlight was of course the unleashing of our new AI data-processing solution for the GeoSwath 4 bathymetric sonar in the summer. In development for more than three years, the system was launched as a free upgrade for users already on the latest GeoSwath software version.
The idea behind the AI – a joint development with the University of East Anglia’s School of Computing Sciences – is to accelerate the speed in which GeoSwath 4 data can be processed so that it is quality-controlled and actionable on board in real-time, so surveys can be optimised on the fly and significantly less time is needed in post-processing.
The system also addresses the perception in the market that the thousands of data points produced by interferometric sonars per ping can make processing more complex and time consuming. The introduction of AI invalidates the argument completely and pushes GeoSwath 4 to the position of being the only seabed mapping tool able to deliver IHO spec data in real-time on board, without the need for processing or user intervention.
The project led to us being one of 3 National finalists in the Innovate UK - Knowledge Transfer awards in the category of Technical Excellence, in collaboration with the University of East Anglia. AI is a huge step-up for marine survey technology and after seeing amazing results in the field this year, one of the questions we’ll be asking in 2024 is simple; isn’t it time you moved the multibeam aside and upgraded to GeoAcoustics?
While we’re looking forward to seeing more results from AI-powered GeoSwath 4 projects next year, we will also turn our attention to some other new developments in our technology portfolio, including the launch of the eagerly awaited GeoPulse 2 sub-bottom profiler. Keep your eye on Oceanology International in March for that.
Other milestones in 2023 included GeoAcoustics being named as one of 148 UK companies to receive the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise this April and as a result, GeoAcoustics’ General Manager Linda Dowdeswell was invited to meet King Charles at a special winners’ reception at Buckingham Palace in June.
Our selection was based on six years of continuous growth in international trade and the award reflects the skills and dedication of every member of the team in Great Yarmouth as well as the commitment and professionalism of our channel partners.
And on that front, we also continued growing our channel partner network in 2023, with the addition of new partners. So, welcome to the team Dai Quang Co., Ltd in Vietnam, C.A. Richards in the USA and Hidrokinetik Technologies Pte Ltd in Singapore!
In other partnership news, we were pleased to officially join forces with The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project in November. Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), which seeks to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s ocean by 2030, and to compile all the data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map.
As we head towards the end of the years, we can safely say that 2023 has been fantastic for GeoAcoustics. I’d like to thank everybody who made it possible, from our dedicated team in Great Yarmouth and partners all over the world, to the customers and end users who put their trust in us and our technology everyday.
We’re looking forward to building on all our working relationships for mutual success next year and beyond, and wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year.
See you in 2024!
Linda Dowdeswell, General Manager & Richard Dowdeswell, Chief Commercial Officer