The demand for cost-effective solutions to seabed surveys has grown significantly, at the same time as the advance of autonomous systems. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) have their respective strengths and weaknesses. CoMap will combine the strengths of each vehicle type: the ASV’s high position accuracy and the AUV’s capability to gather high resolution sonar data close to the seabed. Using collaborative mapping with ASV and AUV, CoMap offers an innovative solution to the survey market. Sonar data can be gathered more efficiently, with high accuracy and spatial resolution. The CoMap system proposes the following innovations and advantages: (1) A modular multi-vehicle system for bathymetric mapping, (2) Dynamic allocation of AUV and ASV for optimal area coverage and efficiency, (3) A lightweight multi-vehicle system to reduce Operational Expenditure (OPEX) and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), (4) Low operator footprint and (5) Synergistic capabilities arising from coordinated planning and execution control.

CoMap promotes cooperation between enterprises and research institutions in Norway and Portugal, to foster user-driven research-based innovations. This collaboration allows integrations of cutting-edge research into new company products, the sharing of markets and customers, to improve the competitive edge for the involved SMEs.