BATHYMETRIC LIDAR

Bathymetric Lidar is a specialised remote sensing technology used to measure the depth of water bodies, such as oceans, rivers, estuaries, lakes, and reservoirs. Unlike traditional Lidar, which is mainly used for terrestrial and aerial mapping, bathymetric Lidar is designed to operate over water, making it particularly valuable for hydrographic and coastal surveying. Here’s how bathymetric Lidar works:

Laser Emission: The bathymetric Lidar system emits green laser pulses towards the water’s surface.

Reflection and Return: These laser pulses penetrate the water and interact with the submerged objects and the seafloor. Pulses are then reflected back to the Lidar sensor.

Data Collection: The system records the precise time it took for the laser pulses to return to the sensor, just like in traditional Lidar. However, in this case, the time of return is a function of the depth of the water and the characteristics of the seafloor and underwater features.

Data Processing: Bathymetric LiDAR data is processed to generate a detailed bathymetric map, which represents the underwater topography, including the depth of the water and the features on the seafloor. The water surface is modelled and each point is corrected in space for refraction as it passes through the water surface. These data can be used for coastal and fluvial management, port depth clearances, sedimentation monitoring, and various other marine and hydrographic applications.

Bathymetric LiDAR is particularly useful in areas with shallow, or complex underwater environments where traditional boat-mounted surveying methods, such as sonar, may have limitations. It provides high-resolution depth information and can be used for a variety of purposes, including nautical safety, environmental monitoring, and underwater resource management.

Applications for Bathymetric Lidar

Hydrographic Surveying
Coastal Zone Management
Underwater Habitat Mapping
Infrastructure Planning
Environmental Impact Assessment
Search and Rescue Operations
Geological and Geophysical Research
Climate Change Research
River and Inland Waterway Surveying

Why use Bathymetric LiDAR?

Underwater Clarity

With bathymetric lidar, we provide a window to the underwater world like never before. Our technology delivers precise, high-resolution data, allowing you to see beneath the surface and uncover submerged features, such as reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater terrain

Rapid Data Acquisition

Time is of the essence, and efficiency is key in any underwater survey. Our bathymetric lidar technology enables rapid data acquisition, helping you cover extensive marine areas efficiently and meet tight project deadlines.

Unmatched Accuracy

When it comes to accuracy, bathymetric lidar is second to none. We offer precise measurements of underwater features, including depth, shape, and changes over time. This data is invaluable for safe navigation, environmental conservation, and marine resource management.

Versatile Applications

Our bathymetric lidar services aren’t limited to one sector. They are adaptable to various applications, including hydrographic surveying, coastal zone management, and marine archaeology. Whether it’s for mapping shipping routes or preserving underwater heritage, we’ve got you covered.

Safety & Cost Effectiveness

Efficiency doesn’t have to come at a high cost. Aerial lidar offers cost-effective solutions by reducing the need for extensive fieldwork and manual surveying. It minimizes the risk of errors, ultimately saving you time and resources.

Environmental Conservation

Exploring underwater ecosystems is crucial for environmental conservation. Bathymetric lidar can provide critical data for understanding and protecting marine habitats, allowing you to make informed decisions for sustainable resource management.

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Find out more about our range of Aerial Lidar services that could benefit your next project.

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