Forge Photonics Tests Navigation Tech in Timor Sea
Canberra-based Forge Photonics is trialling its fibre optic gyroscope while Revelare maps about 5700 square nautical miles of seabed nearby.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Geography
Canberra-based Forge Photonics tested its Australian-developed fibre optic gyroscope navigation technology in the Timor Sea. The trial takes place alongside Revelare Hydrospatial's seabed mapping of around 5700 square nautical miles under the HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program.
Why it matters
Accurate seabed mapping depends on precise trajectory data as well as sonar measurements, and parts of the Timor Sea have not been surveyed to current standards. Locally developed navigation hardware could reduce reliance on overseas-sourced systems.
The fibre optic gyroscope uses locally mass-produced telecommunications components and is being evaluated alongside overseas-sourced navigation systems to position sonar measurements. Trial performance figures have not yet been released.
The players
Forge Photonics
A Canberra-based company backed by HostPlus and IP Group Australia that develops inertial navigation systems using fibre optic gyroscopes.
Revelare Hydrospatial
The hydrospatial and geophysical services division of Australian-owned spatial intelligence company Revelare, providing services since 2008.
The details
Forge Photonics' technology was tested as part of Revelare's ongoing Timor Sea seabed mapping project. Forge's founding team spent years at the Australian National University working on precision measurement for gravitational wave detection before building the company.
Timeline
Revelare's Timor Sea seabed mapping project is ongoing.
Forge Photonics' overseas trials are planned to follow the Timor Sea trial.
Geography Context
The Timor Sea survey sits under the HydroScheme Industry Partnership Program, which pairs industry partners with seabed mapping work in Australian waters. Forge's trial extends that programme by testing domestic navigation hardware in place of overseas systems.
Locally made navigation hardware could eventually support more precise seabed surveys and civil uses such as shipping and precision drilling. Commercial timelines have not been set out in the source.
The takeaway
Improving how seabed trajectories are measured can make survey data more reliable for shipping and resource work. Readers interested in the technology should watch for the overseas trial results that follow the Timor Sea test.
Further reading
Explore more in Geography for context on Australian seabed and ocean mapping.
Source note: This article includes information reported by APDR.
