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Improve shallow survey results using combined technologies

Fugro now offers a range of technologies to service your shallow water survey needs in an efficient and cost effective manner. We've proven our approach around the world, achieving detailed coverage of the seafloor from nearshore to shoreline. This data provides profound benefits to users in the fields of nautical cartography, coastal zone management, defense, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure and resource development among others, while helping you save time and money.

Efficiency, accuracy, detail and capability are the fundamental factors that need to be evaluated when selecting an appropriate remote sensing technology for shallow water surveys. Complex coastal environments typically require more than one technology to achieve the optimum mapping solution. Fugro’s integrated approach to shallow water surveying, utilizing SDB, ALB and MBES, enable us to deliver quality data cost effectively.

How does it work?

The survey method is founded on the modelling of light penetration through the water column in visible bands of multispectral, remotely sensed images. Fugro’s new satellite-based capability helps to further reduce the cost of shallow water surveys. The result is reliable and cost-efficient data for reconnaissance surveys, habitat mapping and coastal zone management. More recently, research has been advancing the use of satellite imagery for the derivation of shallow bathymetric data.

Benefits

  • Low cost
  • Quick delivery of data
  • Easy access to satellites for routine monitoring and change-detection
  • Reliable results - vertical accuracy of 10-15% of water depth, in depths up to 35m (in optimal conditions)
  • Extensive area, homogeneous datasets
  • Archive of bathymetry data is possible from existing satellite or aerial imagery programs
  • Task new satellite capture for update or capture new imagery from UAV or fixed wing

Applications of the technology

  • Environmental impact statements
  • Coastal Zone projects
  • Baseline mapping of reefs
  • Rapid environmental assessment
  • Seabed classification
  • Change-detection (erosion/accretion in the coastal zone)

As the recognized industry leader in the development and application of bathymetry LiDAR technology, Fugro provides the world’s most operationally reliable and cost-effective ALB survey services.

How does it work

Airborne LiDAR bathymetry systems work by transmitting pulses of energy from a laser source. Infrared energy is quickly absorbed thereby detecting the water surface, while energy in the green spectral band penetrates into the water to map the surface of the seafloor. The delta of the water surface and seafloor measurements provides the water depth. Depending on water clarity, seabed characteristics, and energy output, airborne LiDAR bathymetry is effective in water depths up to 70 meters.

Benefits

  • Accurate depth measurement
  • Very cost effective over full operational window
  • Speed
  • Mobility
  • Rapid response
  • Rapid data assessment: storm damage, grounding, seasonal change
  • Completion of surveys in small environmental windows
  • Survey difficult or impossible areas
  • Safe in dangerous areas
  • Simultaneously survey water, structures, and land
  • Operates in shallow water regions
  • Extends survey over the beach 
  • Rapid response to new survey areas 
  • Complimentary with Sonar systems
  • The shallow coastal zone is particularly difficult to survey

Applications of the technology:

  • Nautical charting particularly of shallow, remote and hazardous areas
  • Survey support to survey vessels 
  • Coastal zone management, particularly surveys close inshore, including  beach surveys
  • Rivers, Lakes and Inland Waterways
  • Essential Fish Habitat Mapping
  • Coral Reef Mapping, in particular for nautical charting or environmental management
  • LOS / EEZ Mapping
  • Pre-Post Hurricane Mapping
  • Support to oil and gas industry, including data to support seismic vessel navigation, planning of pipeline landfalls and surveys for infrastructure planning and development and general operations
  • Defense applications
  • Pipeline surveys and landing points
  • Combine with MBES for optimal efficiency and safety

How does it work?

Performing a vessel based mobile laser and bathymetry survey may be advantageous when time pressures are present or when avoiding physical deployment of personnel or equipment on/near the structure is important (such as after being damaged in a storm event). On the other hand, when extremely high accuracy and/or detail are required, static sensor deployment can be a better choice.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive inventory of nearshore marine habitats according to specified classification system
  • Applicable as a regional planning tool 
  • User-friendly, widely-accessible GIS database
  • Can use for regional environmental risk assessments (not project specific)
  • Performing a vessel based mobile laser and bathymetry survey may be advantageous when time pressures are present or when avoiding physical deployment of personnel or equipment on/near the structure is important (such as after being damaged in a storm event). On the other hand, when extremely high accuracy and/or detail are required, static sensor deployment can be a better choice.

Applications of the technology

  • Nautical Charting
  • Ports and Harbor Surveys
  • Engineering Studies
  • Seafloor Habitat
  • Oil Exploration
  • Tsunami-Related Mapping
  • Pipeline & Cable Route Surveys
  • Mine-countermeasures
  • Homeland Security
  • CTBTO Mapping
  • Seafloor Research Support
  • High-Resolution Surveys supporting Pilotage and critical Under Keel Clearance navigation operations

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