Northumbrian Water Group (NWG), a major utility provider in the water and wastewater industry, contracted us to undertake comprehensive surveying works at Derwent Reservoir. The project included both bathymetric and LiDAR surveys to assess underwater and topographical features, respectively. The work was commissioned in November 2024 and carried out in the subsequent weeks.
NWG operates across the North East, delivering water and sewage services to millions of customers. At Derwent Reservoir, the company required accurate, up-to-date data to support operational planning and maintenance.
NWG approached us because of an increasing need for high-resolution data on the reservoir’s underwater topography and surrounding landscape. The reservoir’s importance to regional water supply combined with concerns over sedimentation and infrastructure integrity made detailed surveys critical.
We were selected on the strength of our proven experience in hydrographic and aerial surveying and our ability to deliver reliable data in complex environments. Our use of advanced unmanned survey systems and drone-based LiDAR technology was key to meeting their technical and logistical demands.
We commenced the Derwent Reservoir project with simultaneous deployment of two specialised survey methods:
The data captured in Phase 1 were processed and integrated into a unified geospatial model. Bathymetric survey data were digitised into a detailed 3D AutoCAD model, featuring contouring and classification of subsurface elements such as silt deposits. The LiDAR data, with its high vertical accuracy, were combined with the bathymetric information to create a complete representation of the entire reservoir environment. Finally, all deliverables – including the integrated 3D model, raw data in ASCII format and comprehensive survey reports – were provided to Northumbrian Water Group in AutoCAD DWG and PDF formats.
The LiDAR data, with its high vertical accuracy, were combined with the bathymetric information to create a complete representation of the entire reservoir environment.
The surveys provided NWG with a holistic 3D representation of Derwent Reservoir, both above and below the waterline. This enabled enhanced decision-making around maintenance planning, sediment management and infrastructure assessments.
The precision and clarity of the data reduced the need for repeated site visits and supported environmental and engineering assessments. The client commended our efficiency, technical rigour and the clarity of our outputs, noting the value added to their long-term asset management plans.
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