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How Drones Enhance Bathymetric Surveys: A Safer and More Efficient Approach

Bathymetric surveys, which involve mapping the underwater topography of lakes, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water, have historically been conducted using traditional manned boats equipped with sonar systems. While effective, these methods can be time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes risky, especially in shallow, remote, or hazardous waters. However, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) are facilitating bathymetric surveys by offering a faster, more efficient, and safer alternative.

What is a bathymetric survey?

A bathymetric survey measures the depth and topography of the underwater surface, providing a detailed map of the waterbed. These surveys are essential for a variety of industries, including environmental monitoring, coastal engineering, underwater construction, and scientific research. Traditional methods often rely on echo sounders mounted on boats or ships, but drones now offer new possibilities for bathymetric data collection.

Types of Drones Used for Bathymetric Surveys

There are two primary types of drones used in bathymetric surveys, Aerial Drones (UAVs) and Surface Drones or USVs:

Aerial Drones (UAVs)

Drone-Based Echo Sounder
EchoLogger ECT D052S Echo Sounder
These drones are typically used to collect aerial data or to assist in launching smaller surface drones. They can also be equipped with LiDAR sensors or photogrammetry systems to map the water surface. For example, the DJI M350 RTK, can be outfitted with devices like the EchoLogger ECT D052S, a high-performance dual-frequency echo sounder that measures water depths between 0.5 to 200 meters. This echo sounder comes equipped with tilt and temperature sensors and features an RS232 interface, allowing easy integration with drones. Its lightweight and durable design make it ideal for deployment in challenging environments, offering accurate underwater data collection for small to large-scale water bodies. The echo sounder provides a versatile, efficient solution for detailed underwater mapping without the need for traditional manned vessels.
EchoLogger ECT 400S Echo Sounder
Bathymetric surveys using aerial drones equipped with the EchoLogger ECT 400S Echo Sounder offer an innovative solution for obtaining precise underwater measurements. This advanced echo-sounder by SPH Engineering features a single-frequency acoustic system operating at 450 kHz, allowing for accurate depth measurements ranging from 0.15 to 100 meters. The ECT 400S is designed for compatibility with popular drones including the DJI M350 RTK, making it an ideal choice for various aerial mapping applications. With its lightweight design (275 g) and the ability to integrate tilt and temperature sensors, as well as an RS232 interface for connectivity with the SkyHub.
Drone-Based Bathymetric LiDAR
YellowScan Navigator
For even greater precision in bathymetric surveys, the YellowScan Navigator offers advanced LiDAR capabilities for both topographic and underwater mapping. Designed for UAVs, the Navigator uses a green laser with a 44° field of view, which is optimized for shallow water mapping and provides high-accuracy data (up to 3 cm precision). It is equipped with an integrated global shutter camera for real-time data colourization, and its proprietary CloudStation software refines underwater data by compensating for water refraction and automatically classifies water surfaces and submerged points. The Navigator’s lightweight design and wide platform compatibility allow it to be mounted on various UAV systems, such as the Acecore Noa, which can handle up to 20 kg of payload and provide extended flight times, making it a comprehensive solution for large-scale bathymetric and topographic surveys.
Data captured by the YellowScan Navigator at a community lake in Calgary, Alberta showcasing detailed topography and underwater mapping of the surrounding area.

Surface Drones (USVs)

Unmanned Surface Vehicles are one of the most common type of drone used for bathymetry. These surface drones carry sonar equipment to map the underwater terrain. They are autonomous, remote-controlled, or even partially manned depending on the system. Some leading Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for bathymetric surveys include the Apache 3 PRO, Apache 4, and Apache 6 from CHCNav. Each offers unique features tailored to different survey needs.
CHCNAV Apache 3 PRO
The Apache 3 PRO is a versatile, portable USV designed for shallow-draft surveys of lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. Equipped with a single beam echo sounder, it delivers highly accurate depth measurements with a resolution of 0.01m, making it ideal for smaller-scale hydrographic projects. The USV features:

Battery Endurance: Over 2 hours
Max Speed: 6 meters per second
Payload Capacity: 30 kg
Sounding Range: 0.15 m to 200 m
Motor: Robust, tangle-proof, DC-injected rotary motors, enabling smooth operation even in difficult conditions.
This system is optimized for ease of use with one-man operation, high accuracy, and straightforward navigation, making it suitable for a wide range of small-scale bathymetric and hydrological applications.
CHCNAV Apache 4
The Apache 4 is a more advanced USV designed for unmanned cross-sectional flow measurements. This system supports ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) compatibility for water flow and discharge measurements, with a highly accurate single beam echo sounder.

Key Features:

Battery Endurance: Over 2 hours
Max Speed: 5 meters per second
Payload Capacity: 30 kg
ADCP Compatibility: Integrates with sensors like M9, RTDP 1200, RiverPro, and RiverRay.
Echo Sounder Range: 0.15 m to 200 m
Navigation: Advanced autopilot and stable positioning
The Apache 4 is perfect for hydrologists needing precise, unmanned measurements with compatibility for industry-leading ADCPs and an array of high-performance hydrographic sensors.
CHCNAV Apache 6
TheApache 6 USVis a highly advanced, fully-integrated solution for 3D bathymetric surveys and a variety of underwater applications, including offshore construction and underwater archaeology. It is equipped with multibeam echosounders for high-resolution surveys.

Key Features:

Battery Endurance: Over 2 hours
Max Speed: 5 meters per second
Payload Capacity: 60 kg
Depth Range: 0.2 m to 275 m
Triple-Hulled Design: Provides stability in fast-moving currents and shallow waters.
Lightweight: Weighing only 15 kg for easy deployment, ideal for remote operations.
Optional LiDAR Sensor: Collects 300,000 points per second, providing both terrestrial and underwater 3D survey data.
With its superior features and performance, the Apache 6 is designed for professionals handling complex hydrographic surveys in challenging environments.

The Apache 3 PRO is best suited for smaller, shallow-water projects that require portable and easy-to-operate unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). In contrast, the Apache 4 excels in flow measurement, featuring integration with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) for more comprehensive hydrological surveys. For high-resolution 3D bathymetric and underwater surveys, the Apache 6 offers a heavier payload capacity and advanced multibeam sonar systems. Each of these systems serves distinct use cases, ranging from straightforward bathymetric surveys to complex underwater explorations, catering to various project requirements in the field of hydrology.

Key Technologies in Drone Bathymetry

Single-Beam Echo Sounders: This technology emits a sound pulse directly downward and measures the time it takes for the sound to return from the waterbed. It's commonly used for small-scale surveys.

Multibeam Echo Sounders: Multibeam systems emit sound pulses in a fan shape, covering a larger area and providing highly detailed bathymetric maps. These are often mounted on larger USVs and are used for detailed surveys of larger water bodies.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): While LiDAR is traditionally an aerial technology, it can be used in conjunction with bathymetric surveys to map the surface of the water. LiDAR is especially useful in shallow or clear water bodies where underwater features are visible from the air.

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS: Accurate positioning is critical for bathymetric surveys. RTK GPS ensures precise location data, which is essential for mapping water depths. Many drones used in bathymetry are equipped with RTK technology to enhance data accuracy.

Inertial Measurement Units (IMU): IMUs are used to compensate for the drone’s movement in the water, ensuring that sonar data remains accurate even in turbulent conditions.

Benefits of Using Drones for Bathymetric Surveys

Unlike conventional surveys that often rely on expensive manned vessels and large teams, drones and USVs significantly reduce costs by requiring fewer personnel and leveraging automated or remote operations. They can operate in hazardous or inaccessible environments, such as shallow waters, estuaries, or areas with submerged obstacles, thus minimizing risks to human operators. With their autonomous capabilities, drones can quickly survey large areas, efficiently navigating challenging conditions like strong currents or shallow depths that would hinder traditional boats. Moreover, the advanced sonar systems on these USVs and drones deliver high-resolution data, enabling the creation of highly accurate underwater maps that are crucial for industries such as coastal management, construction, and environmental research. With a diverse range of drones available from small portable unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to larger, more robust models, bathymetric drones are adaptable for use in various environments, from small lakes to expansive oceanfronts.

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