Drone Based Bathymetric Surveying

Beneath our oceans and lakes lie hidden landscapes waiting to be discovered and mapped. Traditional methods of bathymetric surveying have been time-consuming, costly, and limited in their coverage. However, an exciting innovation has taken place with the integration of?unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)?equipped with advanced sensors. In this blog post, we will explore the world of Drone Based Bathymetric Surveying, the technology behind it and the benefits it brings.

UAV Bathymetric Surveying?consist of a drone such as the?DJI M350 RTK, equipped with an?Echo Sounder.?These specialized sensors provide valuable insights into the underwater terrain, revealing details about depth and shape. Facilitating seamless integration between the UAV and the sensor, an onboard computer called UgCS SkyHub takes center stage. Acting as a central hub, this intelligent device ensures real-time data transmission, monitoring, and control of the entire surveying process.

Precision Flight: Navigating with Accuracy

Adding to the system's capabilities is a?laser altimeter,?enabling the UAV to precisely follow the contours of the underwater landscape. By receiving accurate altitude data, the drone accurately flies above the terrain, avoiding obstacles and adapting to variations in elevation. This precision flight capability enhances the accuracy and efficiency of bathymetric surveys, providing reliable data for comprehensive mapping.

UgCS: The Maestro of Flight Planning and Management

The UgCS (Universal Ground Control Software) plays a vital role in orchestrating the flight planning and management of UAV bathymetric surveys. Through an intuitive interface, operators can define survey areas, set waypoints, and configure flight parameters effortlessly. UgCS empowers autonomous flight, allowing the drone to follow predefined paths and execute complex survey patterns with ease.

But that's not all. UgCS offers real-time telemetry and mission monitoring, providing operators with a live data feed from the sensor. This feature ensures the survey progresses smoothly, allowing adjustments and interventions as needed. To ensure safety, UgCS incorporates fail-safe mechanisms, protecting the UAV and the survey equipment from unforeseen circumstances.

Benefits of Drone Based Bathymetric Surveying

Cost-Effectiveness:?UAV-based bathymetric surveys eliminate the need for expensive manned vessels and extensive equipment setup, reducing survey costs significantly.

Efficiency:?By covering large areas in a fraction of the time required by other methods, UAV surveys save valuable time and resources, enabling more frequent and extensive mapping.

Enhanced Accuracy:?Leveraging precise terrain following and advanced sensors, the integrated system ensures the collection of highly accurate data, enabling detailed and reliable bathymetric maps.

Safety and Accessibility:?Conducting surveys with UAVs eliminates the risks associated with manned operations in challenging or hazardous environments, making it possible to explore previously inaccessible areas.

Additional Features:?The?EchoLogger ECT D052S?comes with a tilt and temperature sensor, which can provide additional data and insights for underwater mapping and exploration.

Compatibility:?If the surveying operations involve the use of DJI drones, like the?M350 RTK,?the?EchoLogger ECT D052S?offers compatibility with these drones. This compatibility simplifies the integration and operation of the sensor with the drone platform, making it a convenient choice for users already using?DJI drones.

For industry leading technology within the commercial UAV drones, contact Measur today to find the right equipment for your application.

Find the original article on our website: drones.measur.ca