The vessel file (VESSEL) created by Vessel Editor defines the offset configurations and associated error estimates for each of the sensors on the vessel. These are necessary for creating final position and depth records for survey data in HIPS and SIPS. Therefore, the first step of the HIPS and SIPS workflow is to either create a vessel file or make sure that the existing vessel file is up to date.
Previous versions of HIPS and SIPS used the HVF (HIPS Vessel File) format for the vessel files. An HVF file can still be used for processing survey data in HIPS and SIPS, but it must be converted to VESSEL format before it can be viewed or edited in Vessel Editor. See Upgrade HVF Vessel Files. |
The vessel file is divided into a number of distinct sections, each describing one type of sensor. The sections are time-tagged and multiple entries can be defined for different time periods. These entries can be edited in the Vessel Editor.
During the Georeference Bathymetry process, corrected sensor data is combined with the observed data to create a final position/depth record.
For a description of the coordinate system upon which the vessel configuration is based, see Vessel Coordinate System.