Numerous studies have described approaches to seafloor segmentation and classification using acoustic backscatter data from multibeam sonar or, alternatively, seafloor bathymetry. However, there are few studies that have offered general methods for using a machine-focused approach to combine and use the information found in co-located bathymetric digital elevation models (DEMs) and acoustic mosaics.

Modern multibeam sonars and processing software now typically produce geo-located bathymetry and backscatter mosaic products, thus offering the opportunity to treat both data sets together. BRESS provides a methodology to combine both bathymetry and backscatter data to automatically segment the seafloor.