The SkyHub Software Package for Side-Scan Sonar (SSS) by SPH Engineering is the dedicated software add-on that integrates side-scan sonar systems with the SkyHub onboard computer. Combining SkyHub firmware with a companion UgCS application, it enables automated dual-channel sonar data acquisition, real-time acoustic monitoring, and georeferenced data logging — delivering the complete software stack required to operate the EchoNIMBUS-SSS system and generate wide-swath acoustic bottom imagery from a UAV platform.
Key Features
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Side-Scan Sonar Integration — Full hardware integration between the side-scan sonar system and SkyHub onboard computer via dedicated firmware; manages sensor initialization, dual-channel configuration, and data stream handling
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Automated Georeferenced Data Acquisition — Continuous, timestamped sonar data capture synchronized with UAV position and telemetry for georeferenced acoustic bottom imagery ready for post-processing
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Real-Time Sonar Monitoring — Live acoustic data streamed to the UgCS companion application on the ground station during flight for immediate quality control and swath coverage verification
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Dual-Channel Support — Manages simultaneous data streams from both port and starboard sonar transducers for complete wide-swath bottom coverage
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UgCS Companion Application — Integrated UgCS plugin for sonar sensor control, mission-triggered acquisition, and real-time data display throughout the survey
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SkyHub Firmware Included — Package includes the required SkyHub onboard firmware update for side-scan sonar system support
Compatible Hardware
- SPH Engineering EchoNIMBUS-SSS system (2× Cerulean Omniscan 450SS side-scan sonar)
- SPH Engineering SkyHub onboard computer (required)
- Compatible UAV platforms: DJI M350 RTK, M300 RTK, and Pixhawk/ArduCopter-based UAVs of comparable payload class
Applications
- Wide-swath seabed and riverbed acoustic imaging in shallow, hazardous, or vessel-inaccessible waters
- Submerged object and debris detection
- Underwater infrastructure inspection (pipelines, cables, bridge footings)
- Habitat classification and environmental baseline surveys
- Flood mapping and post-event assessment
- Mining and industrial basin monitoring
Requirements
- SPH Engineering SkyHub onboard computer hardware (required)
- SkyHub Core Software Package (required)
- UgCS ground control software license (required)
- Compatible side-scan sonar hardware — EchoNIMBUS-SSS system (sold separately)