Swath Bathimetry Application for Underwater Archaeology in Indonesia

Swath Bathimetry Application for Underwater Archaeology in Indonesia

Mapping the depth of the ocean for supporting underwater archaeological works can be carried out by utilizing acoustic technology that converts electromagnetic waves into sound waves. Acoustic technology can be used to detect the structure of the soil layer and the thickness of sediments in seawaters area. The Research Institute for Coastal Resources and Vulnerability have identified several underwater heritage sites scattered throughout Indonesian waters and utilized this technology through a bathymetry survey to determine the depth and the structure of the seafloor where underwater cultural heritage sites are located. The Echosounder Ecotrack Teledyne Dual Frequency Odometer has been used in this bathymetry survey. The sea depth data will be corrected to Mean Sea Level (MSL) using the tidal data of the local station for 30 days. The underwater topography is processed and displayed in 3D. The use of in-situ bathymetry application to determine the shape of the seabed at the identified sites can be used as part of the assessment process to determine the next research steps, to provide recommendations regarding diving activities, as well as to determine proper site preservation and appropriate management measures, for example, for diving tourism and marine conservation area in Indonesia.

Guntur adhi Rahmawan

Nia Naelul Hasanah Ridwan

The Museum of Underwater Archaeology

November 2021

English

Rahmawan, Guntur adhi, and Nia Naelul Hasanah Ridwan. 2021. “Swath Bathimetry Application for Underwater
Archaeology in Indonesia.” Edited by Brian Fahy, Hans Van Tilburg, Bill Jeffery, T. Kurt Knoerl, and Riley Smith. In
Proceedings of Fourth Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage: Keelung,Taiwan, and
Virtual, November 1-5, 2021. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology URL: https://apconf-much.org/proceedings/exhibits/show/apconf-muchproceedings/item/687

Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage