Abstract
This paper is mainly aimed at presentation of an impact of environmental conditions on imaging accuracy by using hydro-acoustic systems in waters of a high non-uniformity of spatial distribution of hydrological parameters. Impact of refraction on erroneous estimation of range, in case of wave radiation into water under a large angle, like in side sonars or multi-beam echo-sounders, is especially important. In this paper seasonal changes in sound speed and its impact on acoustic beam refraction is discussed. And, examples which illustrate errors in determination of side sonar range occurred during last investigations carried out in Gdansk Bay waters are presented.