The sensors deployed determine the vehicle
altitude, as well as its speed and endurance. Higher power sensors, e.g.
SSS and SBP, reduce endurance due to their increased energy requirements,
while high-resolution seafloor imaging with a colour camera
system will require the AUV to fly slower and closer to the seabed
than if it was undertaking a MBES survey (Yoerger et al., 2007a). The
ability of AUVs to continuously collect large volumes of data duringmultiple
missions also introduces new challenges in terms of data analysis
and storage