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Bathymetric Surveys 

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It is a legal requirement in the UK for Ground Penetrating Radar users to hold an Ofcom licence, the licence needs to be renewed every three years.

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Bathymetric Surveys FAQ

Bathymetric surveys provide essential data for land development projects near water bodies, such as bridge building, housing, and urban planning. By understanding the water depths and the land beneath the surface, project managers can ensure that their plans are feasible and can be executed smoothly. These surveys help identify potential challenges or constraints early in the planning process, allowing for proactive mitigation and reducing the risk of costly delays or design changes.

Using a remote-controlled survey boat for bathymetric surveys offers several key advantages: 

  • High accuracy and comprehensive coverage of the survey area 
  • Enhanced safety for surveyors, as they do not need to enter the water directly 
  • Ability to access shallow or difficult-to-reach areas 
  • Efficient data collection and reduced survey time 

Bathymetric surveys provide detailed information on water depths and potential underwater obstructions, enabling ships and vessels to plan their navigation safely. By identifying areas of shallow water or submerged hazards, these surveys help minimise the risk of accidents and ensure the efficient movement of maritime traffic, particularly in harbours and coastal areas.

At Lucion, we employ a range of advanced technologies to conduct bathymetric surveys.

Our preferred method for conducting bathymetric surveys involves the use of a remote-controlled survey boat, equipped with advanced echo-sounding technology. As the boat navigates the water, the echo sounder records the depths, while the positions are precisely tracked using GPS or total station. This approach offers numerous advantages, including high accuracy, comprehensive coverage, and enhanced safety for our surveyors, as they do not need to enter the water directly.

The data collected during the survey is then processed using our sophisticated survey software, which seamlessly integrates the echo sounder depths with the positional information. This allows us to generate detailed cross-sections, contour maps, and 3D models of the underwater terrain, providing our clients with a clear understanding of the water depths and the land beneath.

In addition to our remote-controlled survey boat, we also employ drone technology to capture point cloud data and level information for large areas exposed at low tide. This technique has proven particularly effective for surveys of expansive mud flats and estuaries.

Bathymetric surveys are used for a variety of purposes, including: 

  • Land development projects, such as bridge building, housing, and urban planning 
  • Flood assessments and water resource management 
  • Navigation and maritime safety 
  • Dredging activities and harbour maintenance 
  • Environmental monitoring and habitat mapping 
  • Underwater infrastructure inspections and planning 

Bathymetric surveys are a specific type of hydrographic survey that focuses on mapping the underwater terrain, providing detailed information on water depths and the land beneath the surface. Hydrographic surveys, on the other hand, encompass a broader range of measurements, including the shape and features of the water itself, as well as the characteristics of the surrounding shorelines, such as tides, currents, and waves.

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