A side-scan sonar system is used to produce detailed acoustic images of the seafloor. The towfish is deployed behind or alongside a vessel and transmits sound pulses towards both sides of its path, recording the reflected signals from the seabed.

The resulting imagery can reveal seabed morphology, geological features, submerged objects and other structures that may be difficult to identify visually. Side-scan sonar is widely used in seafloor mapping, marine research, habitat surveys and underwater archaeological investigations.