A REVIEW OF SONAR DISTANCE MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES: ADVANCEMENTS, APPLICATIONS, AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Sonar distance measurement is an indispensable technology used across diverse fields such as maritime navigation, underwater exploration, robotics, and medical imaging. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of sonar distance measurement techniques, covering principles, advancements, applications, and challenges. It delves into fundamental concepts including sound wave propagation, echo ranging, and transducer operation, while also discussing various types of sonar systems, signal processing techniques, and recent advancements such as multibeam and synthetic aperture sonar. The paper explores applications ranging from maritime navigation and autonomous underwater vehicles to medical ultrasound imaging, highlighting the versatility of sonar technology. Additionally, it addresses challenges such as environmental factors, accuracy limitations, and signal attenuation, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and development. By offering insights into the stateof-the-art in sonar distance measurement, this review aims to inform researchers, engineers, and practitioners about the current landscape and future directions in this critical field.