Hydropgraphic Surveys on the Rivers Tame & Trent
Published on by Natalie Taylor-Clarke
Hydrographic and topographical surveys on the River Trent enabled 3D terrain models for SRO hydraulic modelling — supporting water resilience and fish passage.
Hydrographic Surveys Support Strategic Modelling on the River Trent
We have recently completed hydrographic surveys of eight weir locations and the adjoining channel of the River Trent for AECOM. The project, commissioned on behalf of Affinity Water, Severn Trent and the Canal & River Trust, supports development of a Strategic Resource Option (SRO) known as the Grand Union Canal Transfer — part of the Water Resources National Framework securing England’s long term water resilience.
To evaluate the scheme’s environmental impact, ecologists required detailed hydraulic modelling of the River Trent sections. These hydraulic models can simulate changes in water depth and velocity, helping assess potential barriers to fish movement. Their construction relied on detailed 3D terrain data covering both riverbed and key structures including weirs and fish passes.
To build this dataset, we combined topographical surveys of the riverbanks along with hydrographic surveys of the riverbed. Data was collected at one metre intervals at weir sites and five metre intervals along the channel. With turbulence and water volume complicating data capture, low flow periods were used to safely carry out manual pole based measurements at weirs.
We delivered incremental 3D terrain models as well as CAD outputs throughout the programme, enabling AECOM to build hydraulic models in sequence. This approach ensured the project remained aligned with tight regulatory timelines.
“Survey Solutions won the original tender based on their flexibility and ability to meet our timescales and deadlines. I have been particularly impressed by their ability to adapt their surveying methodologies according to our own site conditions and requirements. The team across the board are always very reliable and readily available to assist me and my team when we need them. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone else.”
Technical Director – Water Resources, AECOM
