The Sound Velocity Profiler (SVP) is a high-precision oceanographic instrument designed to measure the speed of sound through the water column for hydrographic and offshore survey operations. The system provides accurate sound velocity profiles required to correct acoustic survey measurements, ensuring the highest level of accuracy for bathymetric mapping and seabed imaging.

The Sound Velocity Profiler is deployed through the water column to continuously measure sound velocity as a function of depth by recording water temperature, pressure and conductivity. These measurements are processed to generate an accurate sound velocity profile, which is applied in real time or during post-processing to compensate for acoustic ray bending and refraction effects encountered by multibeam echo sounders, single beam echo sounders, sub-bottom profilers and other acoustic survey systems.

Designed for rapid deployment and reliable offshore operation, the Sound Velocity Profiler interfaces seamlessly with onboard navigation and acquisition software, allowing survey personnel to update sound velocity corrections whenever changes in water mass characteristics occur. Regular sound velocity profiling throughout the survey ensures that acoustic measurements remain consistent and accurately referenced, particularly in areas where temperature and salinity vary with depth.

The Sound Velocity Profiler is widely used for hydrographic surveys, offshore geophysical investigations, marine geotechnical surveys, pipeline and cable route surveys, offshore construction support, dredging surveys, port developments and offshore renewable energy projects. By providing accurate water column corrections, the system significantly improves the quality of bathymetric data, seabed imagery and underwater positioning, ensuring that offshore survey data meet the accuracy requirements of international hydrographic and engineering standards.