MB-System

The MB-System is an open-source software package primarily used for the processing and display of swath sonar data. This includes bathymetry and backscatter imagery derived from multibeam, interferometry, and sidescan sonars. The software is distributed as source code for Unix platforms and is designed to work transparently with various sonar data formats through its central MBIO input/output library. Most of its utilities are command-line tools.

For assistance, the project website at https://www.mbari.org/products/research-software/mb-system/ is the primary resource, offering FAQs, download/installation guides, documentation, and user discussion lists. While the GitHub interface supports issue tracking, it is strongly recommended to direct installation and usage questions to the broader MB-System community via the dedicated discussion lists, as developers are often overwhelmed and may not respond to direct emails.

The software package consists of programs that manipulate, process, list, or display swath sonar bathymetry, amplitude, and sidescan data. Its design philosophy, centered around the MBIO library, allows for the creation of "generic" utilities that can be uniformly applied across a wide range of sonar data sources, enhancing its versatility and utility for researchers and professionals in marine geosciences.