Editing Side-scan sonar (section)

==Uses==
Side scan sonar is used to image large areas of the seafloor quickly. Applications include [[archaeological survey|surveys]] for [[marine archaeology]], shipwreck hunting, [[Search and rescue|search and recovery (SAR)]], and [[environmental monitoring]]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=A Smooth Operator's Guide to Underwater Sonars and Acoustic Devices |url=https://bluerobotics.com/learn/a-smooth-operators-guide-to-underwater-sonars-and-acoustic-devices/ |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Blue Robotics |language=en-US}}</ref> In conjunction with seafloor samples, it is able to provide an understanding of the differences in material and texture type of the seabed. Side-scan sonar imagery is also a commonly used tool to detect debris items and other obstructions on the seafloor that may be hazardous to shipping or to seafloor installations by the oil and gas industry. In addition, the status of pipelines and cables on the seafloor can be investigated using side-scan sonar. Side-scan data are frequently acquired along with [[echo sounding|bathymetric soundings]] and [[sonar#Sub-bottom profiling|sub-bottom profiler]] data, thus providing a glimpse of the shallow structure of the seabed. Side-scan sonar is also used for fisheries research, dredging operations and environmental studies. It also has military applications including mine detection.