Abstract: This paper compares inteferometric multibeam systems Geoswath Plus multibeam and traditional multibeam systems Seabeam 1180 multibeam in terms of theory, technical specification, software and field measurements. It provides reference for surveyors to make an informed choice when importing new multibeams. The two systems are totally different in terms of theory. The traditional multibeam systems have relatively high density soundings under tracducers and lower on sides. Conversely, the inteferometric multibeam systems have relatively lower density soundings under tracducers and higher on sides. The acquisition software and post-processing software of the inteferometric multibeam systems Geoswath Plus are integrative and make quality control easy for operators. The acquisition software and post-processing software of the traditional multibeam systems Seabeam 1180 are optional and powerful. Based on the test data, two multibeam systems have similar precision, with the standard deviation of 3%?4%.

Key words: inteferometric multibeam Geoswath Plus, traditional multibeam Seabeam 1180, comparison