Hydrographic Surveys

What are hydrographic surveys?

Hydrographic surveys systematically measure and describe the physical features of bodies of water and adjacent coastal areas. These surveys determine water depths, map seabed or lakebed morphology, identify navigational hazards and provide information on tides, currents and water properties. Hydrographic surveys are essential for:

• Flood risk assessment and river modelling
• Infrastructure planning and design
• Environmental impact studies
• Dredging operations
• Navigational safety and marine asset management

Why are hydrographic surveys important?

Accurate depth information and identification of underwater hazards – wrecks, rocks, shoals – are vital for safe maritime transport, preventing accidents and protecting life and property. Hydrographic data are also fundamental for planning, designing, constructing and maintaining ports, harbours, bridges, pipelines and offshore wind farms. Surveys determine areas requiring dredging to maintain navigable channels and port depths and monitor the environmental impact of dredging activities.

Why choose Academy Geomatics?

We deliver precise and efficient hydrographic surveys by combining traditional methods with state-of-the-art technologies. Our capabilities include:

• Bathymetric LiDAR: Airborne laser scanning for rapid, high-density elevation data of land and shallow waterbeds in remote environments
• Single-beam echo sounder (SBES): Reliable depth measurements along survey lines, ideal for river profiles, sediment checks and baseline surveys
• Multibeam echo sounder (MBES) systems: Capturing hundreds of depth points per second to produce detailed 3D seabed models
• Autonomous survey craft (USVs): Equipped with SBES or MBES, enabling surveys in hazardous or hard-to-access waters

Our surveyors also conduct manual depth soundings, precise levelling and accurate GNSS positioning. We undertake detailed shoreline and structure surveys to provide comprehensive support for hydrographic projects.

All collected data are accurately georeferenced and meticulously processed using industry-standard software. Surveys are conducted in full compliance with IHO S-44 standards, EA and DEFRA requirements, and BS EN ISO 19115/19157.

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