I have data from a Lowrance Elite 7 HDI that is not side-scan capable that I have already begun creating depth contours with the data. It is sonar data in SL2 files and data was collected in all unit capable frequencies. I was curious if this data could be utilized in the side-scan bottom mapping plugin for creating bottom images, or to utilize that plugin you need a true side-scan unit? If not, can this data be viewed in the sonar viewer plugin? Can I create anything else with the sonar packet data besides just view it in the Reemaster program?

Thanks in advance for any help.

You can view the data in the sonar viewer, but there is nothing else you can do with it at this time. The downscan channel actually gives us quite a nice view of the bottom along the centre of the sidescan swaths, but since it is a single channel we don't know which side of the boat those features lie on (what you see is actually a composite of both sides), so it's not really possible to use this as part of a sidescan mosaic. So yes, for mosaics you do need a true sidescan unit.