Unmanned surface vessels in hydrographic surveying: Exploring technological progressions and development challenges

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) in hydrographic surveying, with a focus on synthesising recent advancements, evaluating operational efficiencies, and addressing challenges in their adoption. A novel aspect of this study is the systematic analysis of specific USVs, providing a comprehensive overview of their deployment in diverse hydrographic applications. By integrating insights from recent developments, the paper explores how USVs leverage technologies such as multibeam sonar, autonomous navigation systems, and artificial intelligence to enhance data accuracy, safety, and accessibility in remote or hazardous marine environments. The paper also highlights challenges, including regulatory gaps, autonomy standardisation, and environmental concerns, and proposes actionable strategies to mitigate these barriers. This review not only provides a detailed synthesis of current capabilities and limitations but also outlines future research directions to advance the integration of USVs into mainstream hydrographic practices. By offering a unique combination of case-specific analysis and broader thematic insights, this paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the transformative potential of USVs in maritime surveying.