Side imaging sonars also referred to as side scan sonars are a set of sonar system that was developed to create an image of large areas on the seafloor effectively.
Side imaging sonar pictures.
This sonar device emits conical or fan shaped pulses down towards the bottom of the sea across an extensive range perpendicular to the path the sensor follows through the water.
This image is a boulder reef.
Side imaging aqua vu and boulders posted on december 13 2016.
Side imaging finders are better in shallow water and cover a wider range.
Although side imaging looks like photos it doesn t depend on light or darkness.
In the end you just can t pick a sonar type over the other.
And even if you do know what you re looking at but you don t fully understand how your device works you might wildly misinterpret where structure or a school of fish actually is.
Whether you are choosing a side imaging fish finder or a down imaging fish finder the occasion is what will determine the one to pick.
To the left and right of your location.
Side imaging sonar uses a razor thin beam that projects deep into the water to both sides of the boat with broad coverage across the bottom.
The best part is that natural structure submerged wreckage and even bait fish can be clearly seen when using side imaging.
Your decision has to be founded on certain cases of use.
Side imaging produces nice images of how boulders really look like and i use it to find key spots that i miss with 2d and down imaging sonar.
On this image the biggest boulders are next to smooth bottom.