Why is Hydrography Survey important

Hydrographic survey is the science of measurement and features description present underwater that affect maritime navigation, dredging, marine construction, offshore oil exploration/offshore oil drilling and related activities. Conducted under authority concerns, Hydrography is mainly carried out by means of sensors, sounding or electronic sensor system for shallow water.

Hydrography is performed to map the underwater bottom with a high level of accuracy that help correlation and interpretation of the data obtained from other methods that measure thickness from the bottom, which yield sub-bottom information and allow a quality check of the results.

Since the surface being mapped cannot be observed directly or occupied, it is necessary to infer topography from depth measurements of deducing underwater topography from numerous discrete observations of depth at positions throughout the survey area. The activity uses the raw data collected through hydrographic survey into information usable by the end user. However, the quality of its product depends on the accuracy and density of these observations. But why is it important to keep under water features and measurement in check?

Importance of Hydrography

Ships and fishing boats use hydrographs to establish whether an area is safe to head into, either in advance or while on the water. It is important to obtain the underwater measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well as with the prediction of their change over time, for the primary purpose of safety of navigation and in support of all other marine. While the objective is to delineate the shape of a portion of the earth’s surface concealed by water, a strong emphasis is placed on soundings, shorelines, tides, currents, seabed and submerged obstructions that relate to the previously mentioned activities.

Navigation

According to Jennifer Birdsall, SEAFLOOR SYSTEMS INC. Marketing Coordinator, Hydrographic Survey serves an extremely important function due to its inherent association with ocean going vessels. To ensure that large vessels fully laden with petroleum products passes unobstructed and undamaged through navigational channels and canals, highly accurate surveys are required on a consistent basis.

Seafloor Systems has a wide dealer network in Africa as well as extensive users in the Civil Construction and Mining industries. Their Seafloor USV and Echosounder products have found use in Egypt, Mozambique, Morocco, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Accuracy

In his opinion Sean Strevens of Cheetah Marine Says that, hydrographic survey is done to obtain accurate river and coast data to allow safe shipping and mining.

Cheetah Catamarans are renowned in the commercial world where time at sea is dictated by the weather conditions a boat can operate in. The company sells direct to their customer from their factories in the UK and Portugal.

Dredging

Regional Sales Manager at Teledyne Marine, Nico van Woerkom says that, doing Hydrographic surveys on cm level accuracy helps one to know the

From the seafloor to the surface…

Teledyne Marine delivers solutions

Teledyne Marine is a group of leading-edge undersea technology companies that have been assembled by Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. Through acquisitions and collaboration, over the past 14 years Teledyne Marine has evolved into an industry powerhouse, bringing the best of the best together under a single umbrella. Each Teledyne Marine company is a leader in its respective field, with a shared commitment to providing premium products backed by unparalleled service and support.