ABSTRACT
In recent years there has been a growing interest in the automated maritime navigation in particular in application to autonomous marine vehicles (AV), both surface (ASV) and underwater (AUV). Such vehicles allow access to otherwise unreachable regions and can, in principle, simplify the task of acquiring hydrographical data fast and cost-effectively without placing human lives at risk. Envisioned missions include environmental monitoring, inspection of estuaries and harbours, pipeline inspections, geological and biological surveys, marine habitat mapping and military applications.
