What method is used to determine short baseline acoustic position?

The method utilized to determine short baseline acoustic position relies on the time difference of signal arrival at hydrophones. This technique is based on the principle that when an acoustic signal is emitted, it travels through water and reaches multiple hydrophones situated at known fixed locations. By measuring the time it takes for the signal to arrive at each hydrophone, one can determine the differences in arrival times.

Using these differences, a position can be triangulated through calculations that account for the speed of sound in water and the known distances between the hydrophones. This method is particularly effective for precise underwater positioning in dynamic positioning applications, such as DP systems, where accurate location information is critical for maintaining station-keeping.

The other methods, while relevant in certain contexts, do not align with the specific mechanics of short baseline acoustic positioning. For example, phase comparison is more applicable in systems requiring higher precision over longer distances, while multiple transponder round trip time and signal reflection analysis pertain to different positioning techniques or technologies.