Small Survey Boats

Survey boats are in various sizes. Small survey boats (<15m) facilitate work in challenging envirionments like shallow or confined waters. The survey vessels are flexible and transportable - sometimes even on a trailer. They also have their limitations and requirements and the survey results may need more attention as smaller boats may be more sensitive to heave, pitch and roll. This theme focuses on aspects and experiences when working with small survey boats.

Small Survey Boats on Geo-matching.com

Surveying the Thames Tunnel Route

Following the suspension of Parliament in the summer of 1858 due to the ‘Great Stink’, an act was passed to allow construction of a network of giant sewers, pumping stations and treatment works beneath London. The system was designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and... (read more)

Must read

Error in GNSS Augmented Heading Systems: Influence of Attitude

My earlier articles on the alignment of motion reference units (MRU) with the ships reference frame (SRF) did not cover the calibration of GNSS augmented heading systems. Although the alignment can be done in the same way as mentioned in the previous articles, GNSS augmented... (read more)

About the Focus Stories

Every month we will focus on a specific theme, featuring a selection of articles which have previously been published in Hydro International magazine. to present a complete recap of the subject. If you don't want to miss these themed recaps, sign up for the newsletter (sign up here).

Small Survey Vessels

Hydrography After Huge Earthquakes

An earthquake of unprecedented magnitude hit the east coast of Japan on 11 March 2011. A tsunami, a large wave caused by the earthquake, crashed into the ports and coastal regions, flowing into the mainland and sweeping away everything in its path. The Japan Coast Guard per... (read more)

Changes to Data Sourcing in Modern Times

Seaports, waterways and climate are inextricably linked. Weather anomalies change bottom contours and destroy aids to navigation, compromising safety. In the past decade maritime applications, maturing marine technologies and crowdsourcing have given mariners access to near... (read more)

A Flooded Landscape Revealed

During the last week of a hydrographic survey of Lough Derg, Ireland’s third largest lake, the remnants of a preserved flooded landscape were unveiled beneath the surface with each passing swath. In early 2015, Geomara was commissioned by the utility company, Irish Wa... (read more)

Clumbungies, Lemons and Cranky Little Vessels

In times past, it was often the lot of the hydrographer and ocean scientist to have hand-me-down ships and vessels from the naval service or revenue service of various nations. Or, if they did have ships designed for hydrographic service, they were kept in service so long a... (read more)

Basking in the Dark

Recent hydrographic advances are revolutionising the way the marine environment can be accessed, scanned and quantified. With the emergence of sonar technology and, more recently, remotely or autonomous operating vehicles equipped with sonar, underwater cameras or photogram... (read more)

Small Survey Vessels

Dynamic Calibration of Navigation Sensors Using GNSS Technology

Over the years there has been a requirement to calibrate navigation (heading and motion) sensors and verify DGNSS systems on vessels working in the offshore oil industry. These calibrations are a requirement of oil companies and need to be undertaken prior to commencement o... (read more)

Hovercraft-based Munitions Detection System

Survey efforts in shallow water present a challenge; when coupled with protected species and critical habitat such as coral reefs, they can prove impossible. Tetra Tech, in conjunction with Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc., has developed an environmentally sensitive survey platfor... (read more)

Considerations for Harbour Access Surveying

Most continents have long histories of utilising their waterways to facilitate trade but, with a few notable exceptions, Africa has not yet taken full advantage of possible riverine trade systems. By Rear admiral Dr Neil Guy (retd), South Africa A riverine outlet to th... (read more)

Small Boat Work – Dangerous Then, Dangerous Today

The ability to conduct inshore hydrographic surveys has always been dependent on small boats and the seamanship of those conducting the surveys. Besides the obvious use of small boats for the acquisition of soundings and their accompanying positions, it was not so long ago... (read more)

58 Years of Paraguay River Mapping

A major part of Paraguay River’s sounding and signalling is maintained by the Brazilian Navy. Trying to stay abreast of the state of the art on inland hydrography and cartography, the Western Nautical Signalling Service briefly presents its past, current status, innov... (read more)

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