The operators evaluate the images and supervise the operation. If they wish to investigate a sonar contact, they can order the vehicle to temporarily suspend sonar search and swim over for a closer look using its scanning sonar or still-frame electronic camera. Each camera image is also compressed and transmitted to the surface. If the operators see that the contact is not the object sought, a single command causes the vehicle to resume the search from where it left off. Once the object sought is recognized, a detailed optical inspection can be conducted immediately.
Many options are available during the inspection phase.
Previously transmitted images can be retransmitted at higher resolution. New optical images can be requested from different altitudes and positions. A documentary film camera can be turned on or off. AUSS can back away and perform more sonar scans at higher resolution or longer range. If the object of interest is very large or found to be highly fragmented, the vehicle can perform a small photomosaic search pattern, taking overlapping pictures guaranteeing total optical coverage of a defined area.