Project Sonar
Services
The big question
How can we visualize complex acoustic data in real-time to improve underwater navigation and safe detection?
The Objective
a sonar visualization tool that converts raw acoustic returns into clear, actionable spatial 3D maps.
Project Sonar addresses the challenge of interpreting complex underwater acoustic data. We built a real-time visualization tool that transforms raw sonar signals into intuitive 3D maps, allowing for better navigation and hazard detection. By combining advanced signal processing with modern rendering techniques, the tool provides a clear view of the deep, making underwater operations safer.
Visual direction
The visual direction for Project Sonar is built on the concept of "Sound in Motion." We developed a monochromatic palette of deep slate and titanium silver, punctuated by vibrant sonar-green oscilloscope lines. The interface features custom-built WebGL acoustic-wave visualizations that react to simulated data inputs, providing a tactile, physics-based representation of sound propagation. Every element, from the minimalist topographic maps to the precise frequency-spectrum overlays, was refined to feel like high-end research instrumentation. The result is a professional, high-fidelity aesthetic that mirrors the technical sophistication of advanced acoustic mapping software.
Focus on Experience
The experience design focuses on clarity and spatial awareness. Users navigate through a 3D environment where sound sources are dynamically localized and visualized on an infinite grid. An intuitive timeline allows researchers to scrub through acoustic sessions, with key frequency events highlighted for rapid identification. We utilized GPGPU particle systems to represent acoustic density in real-time, ensuring high-performance feedback even on resource-constrained mobile devices. Project Sonar transforms complex volumetric sound data into a logical, immersive discovery journey that simplifies the most challenging acoustic analysis workflows.
Project Sonar has already been utilized in field studies, proving its effectiveness in mapping complex acoustic environments with unprecedented detail.
Acoustic data visualization and mapping.
