dBSea-Underwater noise prediction and visualisation software
dBSea enables powerful and accurate prediction of underwater noise levels for a wide range of environments and scenarios
Main Features
dBSea has been developed by acoustics professionals for acoustics professionals. The user friendly interface allows rapid modelling of problems including data import & export, input of noise sources, definition of propagation properties and exporting of results.
The model is represented in 3D and may be rotated and zoomed to allow easy navigation of the problem environment and examination of prediction results. Where previous analysis has been limited to individual calculation slices or transects, dBSea allows the entire problem environment to be modelled and analysed.
The 3D model is built by importing bathymetry data and placing noise sources in the environment. Each source can consist of equipment chosen from either the standard or user defined databases or recorded sound. Noise mitigation methods may also be included. The user has control over the seabed and water properties including speed of sound profile (how the speed of sound changes with water depth), temperature, salinity and current at any point in the scenario.
Noise levels are calculated throughout the entire project area and displayed in 3D. To examine results in more detail, levels may be plotted in cross sections or a detailed spectrum may be extracted at any point in the 3D calculation area.
Levels are calculated in octave or third octave bands. Three different solvers are available and the user may choose different solvers for the low and high frequency ranges. Levels are compared to hearing thresholds of a number of common marine species or your own thresholds to give overall dBht levels.
Special Features
dBSea offers elegant ways to export calculation results. The user can generate a summary of the calculations for every point in the 3D calculation area. Results are produced in a format that is ready to be transferred to other software such as MS Excel or Word.
Graphical export is available to a range of formats (JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF, SHP, ESRI GRID). With the 3D graphics capabilities of dBSea, it is simple to create elegant report data showing sound levels, areas of interest and exclusion zones.
Further Information
About dBSea
dBSea has been developed by Marshall Day Acoustics and Irwin Carr Consulting as a powerful tool for the prediction of underwater noise in a variety of environments. dBSea is ideal for the investigation of underwater acoustic problems involving single or multiple sources using solvers covering a wide frequency range. The software incorporates a user friendly interface and clearly defined workflow that allow models to be quickly developed and modified. The 3D workspace allows clear visualisation of bathymetry data, noise sources and prediction results.
Technical information
The solvers incorporated into dBSea to predict the underwater sound field comprise the most popular calculation methods used in the underwater acoustics industry. The different solver algorithms each find application with different types of problems, adding up to an overall package that covers many underwater acoustics scenarios, and considers complex sound speed profiles and sediment properties. dBSea incorporates source directivity for airgun seismic survey predictions and plots output levels as SPL, SEL, SPL peak or SPL peak to peak. These solvers make dBSea a robust and reliable tool for consultants and other technical professionals.
