Hydrographic Survey

The hydrographic survey is used to collect information on navigable water bodies for safe navigation of vessels. For example surveying of any navigable waters such as lakes and rivers and oceans. However, it is mostly used in marine navigation. Hydrographic surveys are essential and widely used during planning, design and construction stages of offshore oil fields and structures.

Some times this type of surveys can be called “Hydrography” which involves hydrographical measurements of tidal, current and wave information of oceans. It measures the depth of ocean while giving more emphasis on marine geographical features that are hazardous to navigation. For example, through such surveys, the position and magnitude of rock outcrops, shoals, reefs and other attributes that could pose a danger to safe ship passage. In addition, hydrography surveys will capture shore characteristics including natural and man made features that help navigation. In essence, A hydrographic survey will provide accurate information related to the location and formation of mountains, hills, rocks and even manmade structures such as lights, towers, lighthouses that will aid safe navigation.

Hydrographic survey involves collection of large amount of data which needs to be processed, For example, a typical Hydrographic survey will generate thousands of date (several soundings per square foot). The data has to be carefully screened out depending on the purpose of the final usage such as navigational charts,Digital Terrain Modeling, volume calculation, topography or Bathymetry). Many adjustments or corrections have to be made on the recorded data owing to measurement errors due to tides, waves, water levels, and water temperature variations etc. It must also be error corrected (bad soundings,) Once the appropriate correction and adjustments are made to the data, final output charts can be created using specialized software including Autocad package.

Data gathered through hydrographic surveys are useful to navigators. The navigators make use of the data such as shore features, depth of water and the ocean bed, so that they could plan their navigation while taking into account of the hazards present in their navigational routes. This type of surveys were traditionally performed by sea vessels using echo sounding or sonar methods. Currently, aircrafts, satellite technology including advanced electronic sensor technology are being widely used in hydrographic surveying. In many countries, the hydrographic surveys are carried out by government institutions, however, many private firms are increasingly taking part in hydrographic surveying. Hydrographic surveying is used extensively for military purposes such as collection of data and survey of beaches of enemy territory before an amphibious landing.

Although private firms are involved in many hydrographic surveys, it is mostly done under the supervision of state organizations of the particular country. These organizations are responsible for presentation of survey maps, charts and distribution in collaboration with International Hydrographic Organization. Such information is mainly used for sharing and improving reliable hydrographic data leading to safe navigation.

Many investors, companies, and universities often employ hydrographic surveys to ascertain the suitability for development of recreational facilities adjacent to public waterways. The information such as minimum depth, wave action, reservations, are collected before developing the facilities adjacent to the waterways.

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Land Surveys Pty Ltd are licensed surveyors and provide a complete array of surveying services in Perth & Karratha, Western Australia.

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