In the dynamic fields of earth sciences and engineering, marine surveys are crucial for managing and understanding water resources. Whether for lakes or ports that support global trade, these surveys provide essential data for projects and safety measures. With growing demands in water resource management, environmental protection, and marine development, precise survey data is becoming increasingly important.
Construction of offshore wind farms requires a detailed survey of the seabed
The Importance of Marine Survey Technology
The global marine measurement market is projected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2023 to $6.8 billion by 2032, driven by several key factors:
- Infrastructure Development: As ports grow to support global trade and underwater projects like fiber-optic cables advance, detailed bathymetric data is essential for safe planning and execution.
- Modernized Water Management: Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs increasingly rely on advanced sensors for real-time, detailed data, helping governments and industries manage resources more effectively.
- Increased Environmental Monitoring: As climate change leads to more extreme weather, advanced tools are needed to track river runoff, sediment transport, and erosion in real time.
- Marine Engineering Projects: Expanding infrastructure—from offshore energy to shipping lanes and underwater construction—requires precise data to ensure stability and safety.
- Infrastructure Development: As ports grow to support global trade and underwater projects like fiber-optic cables advance, detailed bathymetric data is essential for safe planning and execution.
As the need for accurate, efficient surveying rises, technologies like Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), echo sounders, and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) have become essential tools in hydrographic surveys.
USVs, Echo Sounders, and ADCPs: A Winning Trio for Hydrographic Surveying
As marine environments grow more complex, the demand for advanced hydrographic survey techniques is increasing. The use of USVs, echo sounders, and ADCPs is revolutionizing data collection, enhancing accuracy, safety, and coverage while reducing the need for human intervention.
Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) Transforming Marine Data Collection
USVs form the plaftform of marine surveys, operating autonomously or remotely in environments too dangerous or challenging for crewed vessels. These vessels are equipped with advanced sensors that improve data collection while minimizing risk to human operators.
Remote control of CHCNAV Apache Series
Echo Sounders: Mapping the Underwater World with Precision
Echo sounders measure water depth and provide detailed bathymetric maps by emitting sound waves and measuring the time it takes for them to reflect off the seabed. Two types are widely used:
- Single-Beam Echo Sounders (SBES): Ideal for basic depth measurements, SBES provide a single reading beneath the vessel, making them perfect for smaller surveys or preliminary investigations.
- Multi-Beam Echo Sounders (MBES): Designed to capture multiple depth points across a wide area, MBES generate more detailed bathymetric profiles and are vital for high-resolution surveys in both deep and shallow waters.
CHCNAV HQ400 MBES
Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs): Monitoring Water Dynamics in Real-Time
ADCPs use the Doppler effect to detect changes in sound frequency as water particles move past, allowing them to profile current velocities throughout the water column. In marine surveying, ADCPs are used for:
- Real-Time Current Monitoring: ADCPs measure water flow for dam construction, port design, and offshore energy projects, helping engineers build structures that withstand water currents.
- Sediment Transport and Erosion Studies: ADCPs track sediment movement and erosion patterns for coastal management, river basin studies, and environmental monitoring.
CHCNAV RS600-1200 ADCP
Unmanned Marine Surveying: The Impact of USVs, Echo Sounders, and ADCPs
While USVs offer cutting-edge solutions for autonomous surveying, crewed vessels remain a viable option for some scenarios. Larger equipment, such as heavy multi-beam echo sounders, often requires crewed vessels. In more complex survey environments, like open oceans or large coastal projects, crewed vessels provide longer operational ranges and better adaptability to unexpected conditions. However, for many inshore, shallow-water, or hazardous areas, USVs are more cost-effective and safer, eliminating the need for human operators in dangerous environments.
Over the past two decades, the combination of USVs, echo sounders, and ADCPs has transformed marine data collection, offering advantages such as enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness:
- Enhanced Precision and Coverage: USVs equipped with multi-beam echo sounders and ADCPs provide exceptional mapping precision, ensuring comprehensive data collection across extensive areas.
- Cost-Effectiveness and Shortened Survey Times: Unlike crewed vessels, which require larger crews and more fuel, USVs operate autonomously or remotely, reducing labor and fuel costs.
- Real-Time Data Acquisition: Systems like CHCNAV’s USVs, paired with ADCPs and echo sounders, enable real-time data collection, allowing engineers to make informed decisions and adjust survey strategies on the spot.
Bathymetric survey remote operation.
CHCNAV's Innovative Hydrographic Solutions
CHCNAV is a pioneer in advanced USV technology, designed to meet the evolving needs of hydrographers. Their latest products, including the Apache 4 USV, HQ-400 multi-beam echo sounder, and RS600-1200 ADCP offer integrated solutions for a wide range of hydrographic applications.
Apache 4 USV
Apache 4 USV: Compact, powerful, and ideal for hydrological and bathymetric surveys, the Apache 4 is designed for easy deployment in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and coastal zones. Key features include:
- Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance: Equipped with cameras and millimeter-wave radar, it detects and avoids obstacles in real time.
- Precise Survey Routing: Pre-planned routes ensure thorough coverage, minimizing the risk of missing critical areas.
- Real-Time Control: An Android-based remote system offers real-time visibility into the USV’s status and sensor feedback.
HQ-400 Multi-Beam Echo Sounder: Working alongside the Apache 4, the HQ-400 provides high-resolution bathymetric data with wide swath coverage, capturing multiple depth points simultaneously.
RS600-1200 ADCP: This ADCP adds another layer of capability by providing detailed information on water currents and sediment transport. Integrated with the Apache 4 USV, it enables synchronized bathymetric and hydrological surveys.
Real-World Application: A Rescue Mission Success Story
During a recent test, a four-meter-long unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) sank in a lake with an average depth of 70 meters. The initial recovery efforts, which employed side-scan sonar, were unsuccessful. CHCNAV's partner deployed the Apache 4 USV and HQ-400 multi-beam echo sounder to assist with the salvage operation.
Using CHCNAV Easysail software, a scan course was promptly plotted. The HQ-400's wide beam, capable of covering a 130-degree swath with a range of 150 meters, enabled the collection of data within a two-hour timeframe. In less than an hour, the team produced a detailed underwater topographic map, which led them to nine potential target locations, greatly narrowing the search area and expediting recovery.
This successful mission demonstrates the precision and practicality of CHCNAV’s USV and hydrographic sensor technologies in challenging underwater environments.
Transforming Hydrographic Surveys
The latest generation of USVs, echo sounders, and ADCPs is transforming hydrographic surveys by offering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and safety. These technologies support high-resolution bathymetric mapping, comprehensive water current profiling, and real-time sediment monitoring.
As demand for marine data grows in response to climate change and expanding infrastructure, companies like CHCNAV are at the forefront, providing innovative solutions that meet the needs of hydrographers, engineers, and environmental researchers. By adopting these technologies, organizations can improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of their surveys, facilitating smarter, data-driven decision-making in marine resource management and engineering.
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About CHC Navigation
CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) develops advanced mapping, navigation and positioning solutions designed to increase productivity and efficiency. Serving industries such as geospatial, agriculture, construction and autonomy, CHCNAV delivers innovative technologies that empower professionals and drive industry advancement. With a global presence spanning over 130 countries and a team of more than 1,900 professionals, CHC Navigation is recognized as a leader in the geospatial industry and beyond.For more information about CHC Navigation [Huace:300627.SZ], please visit: www.chcnav.com
