A Kongsberg-Simrad (KS) EM12-120S hull-mounted multibeam was used as primary source during the campaign. The system was interfaced to the ANSHUTZ gyrocompass, to the TSS Mod. DMS05 MRU and to the RACAL DGPS receiver. The KS EM-950 was also available. The EM12 was calibrated after departure from Catania in an area north of the Eolie Islands. Roll calibration was performed in a flat area at roughly 3000 m depth, whereas pitch and time calibration were performed on a steep slope just north of the Island of Salina (Tab. 6). Further information on calibration can be found in 3.4.2. Additional checks were made during the survey when lines were repeated in opposite or at 90 degrees direction.
Some small areas were investigated with the available hull-mounted KS EM-950, that were calibrated jointly with EM12 in a shallow area north of Panarea Island.
Data logging and survey control were done by the KS MERMAID and MERLIN software. The acquired data were pushed on the net for processing and backups upon completion of every line.
The survey was planned and performed at the economical speed of 10.5 Kn. This was normally attained and even overcome, except when the routes contrasted the wind and seas, bringing the speed to 7-8 Kn. The quality of data ranged from very good to acceptable, according to the weather conditions. Some lines were affected by noise during very bad weather conditions. Some deep lines showed noise and spikes on the outer beams.