HYDROGRAPHICAL SURVEYS

Hydrographical surveys (sometimes known as bathymetric surveys) are an extension of our land surveying service, providing an accurate and detailed plan of all features below the water’s surface. This type of survey is suitable for lakes, rivers, harbours, broads, reservoirs and water treatment plants up to a depth of ten metres.

A hydrographical survey calculates the depth of the water body and measures the ground below the water. A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) can then be created detailing the contours of the land below the water.

A typical hydrographical survey would utilise a hydrone; a lightweight, remote-controlled surveying boat. GPS and echo sounders are fitted to the boat and points are recorded at set distances. In the event of no GPS, a robotic total station and 360° prism can also be used to provide the survey data.

A hydrographic survey should be considered before dredging, building a new bridge, or prior to directional drilling to put in place new services. In a recent project we needed to survey a boatyard to understand the physical features and bed levels below the surface to allow for a new cable network to be installed.

Space calculation is also a service we have been asked to offer in the past. In one case, a quarry firm was looking to dispose of its silt into a lake on its site and needed to know how much space was left. We were able to offer a hydrographical survey to provide key data for this purpose.

The survey data is available in a variety of formats and can be completed as a stand-alone project or as an extension to a topographical project allowing all information above and below the water to be integrated into one study.

As well as the obvious safety advantages over a traditional survey, hydrographic surveys can be completed quickly, providing survey data for your project in an effective and efficient manner.

To find out more, please complete the enquiry form below to contact one of our specialist surveyors. Available across our network of UK offices, our teams of surveyors share many years’ experience and are in an ideal position to discuss your project in more detail and offer the best survey solution from our broad range of complementary services.

Hydrographical Overview

  • Suitable for a range of water environments up to ten metres deep.
  • Accurate and detailed plan of the profile below the water’s surface.
  • Utilises GPS and echo sounders to record at set distances.
  • Suitable as a stand-alone project or to complement a topographical survey, providing data above and below water.

Land Surveying Services

Measuring land under the water to establish a wide range of data including bed levels.

Measuring and recording the terrain, including roads, pylons, kerbs, service covers, boundary demarcations, fences and walls, with data available in both 2D and 3D formats.

An increasingly important tool for collecting large amounts of data quickly, cost-effectively and with minimal disruption, often in inaccessible locations.

Capturing data with a scanner attached to a vehicle, for situations which involve long distances or provide access challenges.

LiDAR technology creates a map of the ground profile, capturing measurements and ranges of large areas very quickly, with precision accuracy and without disturbing the environment.

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