n00b sonar query

[coolts]

Guys
I’ve been out of the SH loop since SH3 and can’t remember what the difference between the sonar contact lines on the map are. In SH5 you get black and blue lines pointing towards contacts. I am surfaced so was assuming blue meant visual and black sonar. I could test by submerging but I am at work.
Tried searching but the search function on this site is a bit……special.
Cheers

[sergei]

As far as I can tell, a black line is a merchant and a blue line is a warship. Both sound contacts.
You don't get a line for visual contacts, for these the ship icon is drawn on the map.

I think later in the game when you get radar warning gear, a green line is a radar emission.

[Conrad von Kaiser]

Going off of SH4 uboat expansion

Black Line = Merchant
Blue Line = Warship
(This is kind of fuzzy in SH5. I've run into some armed merchants that come up with Warship contact lines)

Green line = Radar contact
(Haven't gotten far enough in SH5 to see if that's in or not)

As far as a visual contact, you won't get a sonar line on it. Watch crew will "see" it and it will be shown on your map. Gray circle that emanates from a visual contact is their sight line. If you're in the gray circle they can see you and will start evasive maneuvers or firing if they have a gun. You can effect their visual by the position of your boat. If you're running the same direction and have a full broadside view of you they can see you better. If your 90 degrees to them and have only your bow shown to them they'll have a tougher time spotting you.

[coolts]

Cheers guys. That makes more sense. Shall we just writa a manual and send it to UBI? :)