Types of Hydrographic Surveys include harbour surveys, passage surveys, coastal surveys, and general hydrographic surveys for correction. Whilst hydrography covers bathymetry, it also includes the shape and features of the properties of the water itself, and the characteristics of surrounding shorelines in terms of tides, currents, and waves.
What are Hydrographic Surveys?
Also known as underwater surveying, hydrography is the science that measures and determines the physical features of bodies of water and the adjacent land areas. The key features to explore in Hydrographic Surveys include the depth of water and topographic features of the surrounding shoreline. Understanding the contortions and elevations of the ocean floor is crucial for the safety of maritime transportation. Mapping out water depths, potential obstructions and the shape of the coastline of waterbodies allows maritime navigation, marine construction, oil and gas drilling and dredging to occur safely and efficiently.
What are Bathymetric Surveys?
Bathymetric Surveys are a type of hydrographic survey used to map out the details of underwater terrain by illustrating the land that lies beneath a body of water and the depth of the water. Bathymetric Surveys can be used to collect data for a variety of water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, with the purpose of informing flood assessments and potential project developments. Bathymetric surveyors typically use an echo sounder attached to a survey boat to conduct the survey which generates electrical signals whilst the boat moves across the water. Then, these signals are converted into sound waves by an underwater transducer. As the sound waves bounce off underwater features, the echo is identified by an echosounder to calculate the distances, with each of these distances linked to a surveying map using a Global Navigation Satellite System. The final stage involves transforming captured data into an elevated model.
Whether your project needs a Hydrographic or Bathymetric Survey, our team at Lucion have extensive experience to assist with your needs and ensure that your surveying runs smoothly and effectively to minimise delays and prevent damage. Contact us online or call us on 0345 5040 303.
