Dr Hasan Ugurlu

Dr Ugurlu is an Assistant Prof at the Marine Sciences Faculty, Ordu University, Turkey. He is a Master mariner and maritime transportation engineer. He is currently a visiting research at the Earth and Ocean Lab, University College Cork. Here, he is researching Long‑Range Forward Depth Profiling and Underwater Imaging for Surface Vessels through the Hybrid Use of Forward‑Looking Sonar and Echo Sounder Functionalities. This is part of a larger project on which Dr Ugurlu is the PI entitled "Development of a COLREG‑Compliant Autonomous Surface Vessel". 

Project

The forward‑looking sonar (FLS) subsystem currently used on the vessel has a very restricted effective look‑ahead distance. In typical forward‑looking sonars the ratio of water depth to maximum forward detection range is approximately 1:3, which provides an insufficient margin for timely manoeuvring, especially in confined or poorly charted waters. This limitation delays acquisition of depth information directly ahead of the bow and increases the risk profile with respect to grounding. By contrast, the hull‑mounted echo sounder supplies reliable depth measurements irrespective of the total depth, but only in the vertical beneath the vessel and without any anticipatory (forward) component.

In collaboration with researchers in the Department of Geography at University College Cork (UCC), the proposed study “A Study on Long‑Range Forward Depth Profiling and Underwater Imaging for Surface Vessels through the Hybrid Use of Forward‑Looking Sonar and Echo Sounder Functionalities” will integrate (i) the anticipatory, directional sensing capability of forward‑looking sonar with (ii) the stable, high‑fidelity vertical depth measurement of the echo sounder. The objective is to obtain a two‑dimensional (planar and longitudinal) depth profile ahead of the vessel at extended ranges so as to enhance navigational safety (earlier detection of hazardous shoaling) and to exploit the combined data stream for improved underwater imaging. An operator interface suited to both grounding avoidance and subsea visualization functions will also be designed.

The intended outcome is the conceptualisation and initial validation (at system level) of a new integrated sensing solution uniting the complementary strengths of both instruments (forward anticipatory coverage plus consistent depth accuracy), thereby mitigating current manoeuvring and safety constraints associated with limited forward range.