Fredericton, NB, Canada – March 28, 2013 – CARIS is pleased to announce the release of CARIS HIPS and SIPS 8.0, the leading hydrographic data processing system. HIPS and SIPS offers a single solution for bathymetry, seafloor imagery and water column data processing unmatched by any other system.

The much anticipated release of HIPS and SIPS 8.0 includes some significant enhancements, such as the continued implementation of water column data processing allowing the data to be supplemented into the bathymetry, the redesigned calibration tools in Subset Editor and the new HIPS project database allowing for faster open times and multi-user access.

“The major release of HIPS and SIPS 8.0 has many new features that our clients have been eagerly waiting for,” said Burns Foster, product manager for HIPS and SIPS. “The ability to be able to select and import water column data as bathymetric data into existing projects is very exciting as there are plenty of useful applications for this, from scientific endeavours to verifying the least depth on a wreck. Also, the new HIPS database file is the first step in bringing data storage and management in HIPS and SIPS to the next level and we have some big plans for this going forward.”

Supplement bathymetry with water column data

Following the introduction of water column data processing in HIPS and SIPS 7.1.1, the continued development in HIPS and SIPS 8.0 now allows users to supplement the bathymetry in existing projects with water column data. The data can be selected and imported as additional bathymetry and is stored in a CSAR point cloud. Water column data can now be imported as fully corrected bathymetric data and utilized in the same tools and workflows as standard bathymetry.

Redesigned Calibration tools in Subset Editor

The Calibration module has been redesigned for improved usability and workflow. The Calibration tools have been migrated to the latest interface and tools in Subset Editor allowing users to utilize simple and intuitive controls.

New HIPS project database with multi-user access

The new *.hips file for HIPS and SIPS projects is a database that will provide several advantages, including management of multi-user access to the data. The project database also significantly improves the performance of opening a project. Testing on a project containing hundreds of track lines shows open times are dropping from several minutes to only a few seconds.

CARIS clients who have a valid CARIS subscription can now download HIPS and SIPS 8.0 from the CARIS Online Customer Services website. Individuals new to HIPS and SIPS can contact Email Contact for more information and a quote.