Chapter 5. Handling Buoyfields
- Table of Contents
- 5.1. Introduction to buoyfields
- 5.2. Creating buoyfields
- 5.3. Using buoyfields
5.1. Introduction to buoyfields
5.1.1. Buoyfields
Debrief provides functionality to ease the creation of Sonar Buoyfields, that is a pattern of sonar buoys which are laid out in a particular pattern. In addition to the geospatial characteristics of the pattern to be created (such as radius, or row spacing) Debrief also accepts temporal (such as time of the first buoy and buoyfield lifetime) and default formatting characteristics (such as colour and symbol to use). After field creation, the properties used for building the field are largely unavailable, but the buoys can be repositioned or time-stamped directly.
Although it may not be clearly visible in the following diagrams, all of the buoyfields are located with reference to a kingpin. This kingpin is located relative to a Jig Point (allowing for small, quick adjustments in the location of the field prior to dropping), as specified by a range and bearing.
Debrief supports the following patterns of buoyfield:
5.1.1.2. Wedge
A Wedge is a bent-line barrier of buoys, specified by buoy spacing and two true bearings. The first bearing is from the kingpin to the centre of the wedge and the second bearing is from the centre point to the last buoy. In Debrief, theta-one is termed the Right Hand Orientation (Orientation1) and theta-two is termed the Left Hand Orientation (Orientation2). Debrief allows even or odd numbers of buoys, and will ensure that the sides of the wedge remain symmetric.
5.1.1.3. Field
A Field is a fixed pattern which contains more than two rows of buoys. The pattern is specified by buoy and row spacing, a true bearing, and an indication of whether the successive rows fall to the left, right, or centre of the kingpin. Note that whilst the diagram shows and the Naval specification order includes the Field Direction parameter, this is not required for buoyfield construction and is not taken from the user. Although the Field Direction is contained in the buoyfield creation order, it is included as an indication of expected target direction of travel, and has no graphic meaning.
The Left, Right, or Centre offset value is interpreted in the following way:
| Left: is interpreted as the "alternate" rows starting offset a 1/2 buoy width further in the field orientation |
| Right: is interpreted as the "alternate" rows being offset a 1/2 buoy width backwards along the field orientation |
| Centre: in interpreted as there being no offset in successive rows. |
5.1.1.4. Circle
The Circle pattern describes a pattern of buoys arranged in a circle, specified by kingpin, radius, and number of buoys. An orientation parameter is also used, which indicates the bearing of the first buoy from the kingpin (centre), since it may not necessarily be to the North. A flag indicates if the circle is being laid clockwise or not.
5.1.1.5. Arc
The Arc pattern describes a pattern of buoys arranged in a segment of a circle. In addition to the kingpin and radius, an orientation parameter indicates the direction of the mid-point of the arc from the kingpin, and an arc value indicates the arc of coverage each side of the orientation. A flag indicates if the circle is being laid clockwise or not.
