Side-scan survey mostly used to conduct surveys for marine archaeology and seafloor samples it is provide to an understanding of the differences in material and texture type of the seabed. Side-scan sonar imagery is also a commonly used tool to detect items and other obstructions on the seafloor this information minimizes the hazardous to shipping or to seafloor installations by the marine industry.

In addition, the status of pipelines and cables on the seafloor can be investigated using side-scan sonar. Side-scan data are frequently acquired along with bathymetric soundings.