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Sonar

Multibeam sonars can be used to measure the sea floor depth. This is done by determining how long it takes the sound waves to travel from a boat to the sea floor, and then back again. This provides valuable information regarding the sea floor, especially in rocky areas, where you can view the entire bottom of the ocean.

Multibeam sonars are useful in areas where the sea floor is complex, covered in rocks. It has been found that the sonar is not efficient when it comes to flat and shallow areas. Side scan sonars can be used to create a sea floor image. The side scan sonar does not determine depth, which means should the surveyor identify an obstruction when using the side scan sonar, they need to use the multibeam sonar to determine the depth, ensuring data is accurate and updated.

Positions

Another important part of hydrographic surveys is determining accurate positioning, water levels, and tides. Traditionally hydrographic surveyors would use sextants. Thankfully today, we use modern GPS systems that provide accuracy and efficiency. The information provided through measurements, along with predicting the tides rise and fall, is essential to mariners. Ships are often less than three feet from the bottom and have only inches when clearing below bridges. Today's technology provides mariners with the information they need to make their way along the British coastline and into our harbours and ports.

Processing of Data

Once the data is collected, the surveyor adjusts the datum and tides. Horizontal positions are recorded using GPS equipment. This provides valuable information regarding the coastline, assisting in management in the long run.

Charts

Anyone that goes to sea, whether manoeuvring a large ship through the channel or sailing into the sunset, rely on nautical charts. Nautical charts are maps to assist the navigation of waterways. These charts include depth measurements, which are taken from hydrographic surveys. They include information that ensures safe navigation. The measurements, along with symbols, provide useful information for boaters, advising is the area is too shallow to proceed.

How Hydrographic Surveys Assist in Coastal Management

Following any coastal disasters, response teams can use hydrographic surveys to identify any changes in the debris and depth cause by the storm that could pose a threat to vessels. Surveyors are often called in to determine these changes, taking measurements, and collecting data, providing insight into any hazards, ensuring the survey is up to date and accurate.

These surveys are used to update charts, harbour maintenance, coastal engineering, and coastal management. The detailed information and sea floor characteristics are useful to determine fisheries habitats, while understanding the marine geological process.

Conclusion

In the UK, especially down south, there are many homes and buildings that are built on the coast. Some of these properties take a beating during storms, as the sea surge increases, battering the properties. The hydrographic survey is often used to identify any changes, determine any hazards, and future potential problems. At the same time it contributes to coastal management, enabling harbours to manage their processes effectively, including dredging activities, while ensuring there are no obstructions, wrecks, and other hazards that could be dangerous to mariners. Do you want to find out more? Give MB Survey Solutions a call today.