Collaboration with Ocean Floor Geophysics to develop Side Scan Sonar and Magnetometer solution

GeoAcoustics and Ocean Floor Geophysics (OFG) have joined forces to develop a combined side scan sonar and magnetometer system as a single towfish. The new configuration integrates our GeoScan side scan sonar with OFG’s Self-Compensating Magnetometer (SCM), bringing acoustic imaging and magnetic detection together in a single streamlined platform for the first time.

The collaboration builds on the high-resolution imaging capability of the simultaneous dual-frequency GeoScan system and the SCM’s unique real-time compensation to address a long-standing operational challenge in marine survey. Traditionally, magnetometers must be towed at a significant distance behind side scan sonars to avoid interference from magnetic components on the towbody. This requires the deployment of two separate towfish, either towed inline one following the other, or on separate cables. These conventional configurations of marine magnetometers increases deck handling complexity, layback management and operational risk, particularly from smaller vessels and USVs

The new configuration integrates the SCM directly onto the tail of the GeoScan side scan sonar via a dedicated stinger assembly. The SCM’s self-compensation capability enables it to operate effectively in close proximity to metallic survey hardware, making true single-towfish deployment possible.

The development also reflects the growing use of uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in hydrographic and geophysical operations. Launching multiple towed systems from a USV presents significant practical challenges and increased operational risks. A single GeoScan towfish integrating the  SCM is a simpler configuration lowering risk to remote and autonomous survey operations.

By reducing two towed bodies to one, the system simplifies launch and recovery, improves survey efficiency and enhances operational safety. The solution is particularly relevant for unexploded ordnance (UXO) surveys, where high-resolution seabed imagery and magnetic anomaly detection are routinely required together to identify and classify targets.

“Bringing side scan sonar and a self-compensating magnetometer together in a single towfish represents a significant step forward in survey integration,” said Richard Dowdeswell, Chief Commercial Officer at GeoAcoustics. “We believe the configuration, made possible by OFG’s innovative self-compensation technology demonstrates what can be achieved when two specialist companies collaborate to solve real operational challenges.”

“The SCM was engineered to actively compensate for nearby magnetic influences, which fundamentally changes how magnetometers can be deployed in marine survey,” said Matthew Kowalczyk, General Manager at Ocean Floor Geophysics. “By integrating with the GeoScan platform, we are enabling a compact, single-towfish configuration that is better suited to modern, remote and uncrewed survey operations.”

Beyond UXO detection, the combined system can support cable route investigations, marine construction projects, archaeological surveys and subsea infrastructure inspection, where acoustic and magnetic datasets provide complementary insight.

GeoAcoustics and Ocean Floor Geophysics are currently progressing development of the single-towfish configuration, with availability anticipated in Q3 2026.