Introduction
If you're planning a marine survey, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between singlebeam and multibeam echo sounders. Both tools are designed to measure water depth, but the way they work — and what kind of data they produce — is very different.
At OSEANA, we often help clients make this choice based on project scope, data needs, and budget constraints. This article breaks down the strengths of each system and helps you decide which one is the better fit for your operation.
What They Do (In Simple Terms)
When to Use a Singlebeam Echo Sounder
SBES is the better option when you need:
1. Basic depth measurements
2. Shallow water surveys
3. Straightforward, linear transects
4. Lower cost solutions
Use cases:
1. River channel monitoring
2. Port entrance spot-checks
3. Post-construction depth validation
4. Environmental assessments with limited budget
Pros:
1. Lightweight and easy to deploy
2. Lower cost to rent or buy
3. Simpler data processing
Cons:
1. Limited coverage — you only get depth data at specific points
2. May require more passes to cover large areas
3. No seafloor morphology mapping
Quick Comparison Table
How to Decide for Your Project
Ask these key questions:
1. What level of detail is required?
2. How large is the area to be surveyed?
3. Is there underwater structure that must be mapped?
4. What is the budget and timeline?
For many routine or regulatory surveys, SBES gets the job done efficiently. But for engineering-grade accuracy, MBES provides the data confidence your team needs — especially when safety, construction precision, or legal compliance is on the line.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all in hydrographic surveying. The choice between multibeam and singlebeam echo sounders depends entirely on what your project demands — and what your data must deliver.
At OSEANA, we offer both SBES and MBES solutions, backed by experienced operators and flexible rental or service packages. Whether you're mapping a riverbed or conducting a full-scale seabed analysis, we’ll help you choose the right tool — and make sure it performs.
Contact us to discuss your project and get expert advice on the best-fit solution — before you deploy.