Wide Area Search Checklist

	1	Mission Planning
	1.1	Obtain a Chart
	1.2	Load the Chart
	1.3	Set Up Video Overlay
	1.4	Set Waypoint Defaults Along Line: no checkboxes checked Waypoint Z Value: typically object size, but not less than 1m (3 ft) Depth/Altitude: typically Altitude Speed: typically 0.5 m/s (1.5 ft/s)
	1.5	Define Search Parameters Sonar range: ~ 10x object size Camera angle: ~ 5 – 10 degrees down Vehicle pitch: ~ 5 – 10 degrees nose down Define pattern: boundary and orientation Transect spacing: ~ the sonar range for wide angle sonars
	1.6	Place a Region
	1.6.1	Set the Region Coverage Transect spacing is typically equal to the sonar range for wide angle sonars.
	1.7	Save the Mission Plan
	2	On-site Operations
	2.1	Site Selection and Set Up
	2.1.1	Begin the Predive Checklist Begin the Pre-Dive checklist and complete it through the functions test. Conduct a Visual Inspection Make the Connections Start the System Test the System’s Functions
	2.1.2	Initialize the Recording
	2.1.3	Launch the Vehicle Launch the Vehicle Check / Adjust the Ballast Stabilize the Vehicle Using the Autos Initialize the Navigation System
	2.2	Open Mission Controls Set the Waypoint Locks as desired.
	2.3	Start the Recording
	2.4	Conduct the Mission Double check the settings.
	2.4.1	Start the Mission Right-click on the first waypoint and select Go to Waypoint.
	2.4.2	Fine Tune Settings Sonar Range Vehicle Pitch Camera Angle Heading Speed Altitude
	2.4.3	Monitor the Sensors
	2.4.4	Evaluate for Objectives Use the manual control features to inspect targets more closely.
	2.4.4.1	Looking for an Object
	2.4.4.2	Clearing an Area
	2.4.4.3	Mapping an Area
	3	Vehicle Recovery
	3.1	Return to Launch Site
	3.2	Stop the Recording
	3.3	Save the Mission
	3.4	Recover the Vehicle
	4	Post Mission
	4.1	Analyze the Data
	4.2	Recover the Vehicle

Updated on March 14, 2023

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