Bathymetric Surveys

C&P specializes in bathymetric surveys, including collecting multibeam and single beam sonar data in all types of hydrologic regimes, including surveys in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, tidal slough channels, inlets, bays, and offshore through the surf zone. 

We take pride in the vessel fleet at our disposal: With in-house vessels ranging from remote-controlled single-beam boats to fully capable offshore geophysical survey vessels, we are prepared to perform bathymetric surveying in bodies of water ranging from small ponds to open ocean. All of our equipment is professionally maintained to ensure proper equipment function, reliability, and safety.

Bathymetric Mapping in Shoal Water

For projects with extremely shallow water, with highly homogenous/flat bottoms, or with tight budgets, we provide top-quality bathymetric surveys with single-beam sonars. We employ highly accurate single-beam echo sounders that capture the entire echogram from each sonar ping, allowing for detailed analysis during processing. From the sonar bathymetry, we generate three-dimensional digital terrain models of the seafloor for the client, as well as any project-specific deliverables.

High Resolution Bathymetric Mapping

For surveys that requires high-resolution, full-coverage models of the seafloor, we offer high-end multibeam sonar surveys. Our modern survey vessels, mobilized with industry-leading multibeam echo sounders coupled with the highest quality inertial motion units, acquire accurate, clear images of the bottom terrain’s bathymetry, including backscatter and sidescan sonar imagery, as well as full water column data. 

Hydrographic Data Collection

Bathymetric surveying is concerned with mapping depths and thus the seafloor. Hydrographic surveying encompasses all aspects of the water column. C&P Hydrographers have extensive experience with mapping current flow fields, wave energy and characterizing the tidal regime. We are also experts at surveying and mapping the water – land interface, a very important ecotone given today’s concern with sea level rise and its effects on land and property.

Licensed and Certified Surveyors

Using the highest-grade equipment in the industry operated by experienced, knowledgeable personnel is vital to delivering top-quality data to our clients. Our staff includes Licensed Land Surveyors, Certified Hydrographers, and Certified AutoCAD and ESRI Technicians. Just as important, our Hydrographers have extensive experience in all types of water bodies – and experience in the science of Hydrography is absolutely critical.  We are committed to quality control and quality assurance procedures throughout our project life cycles resulting in our surveys adhering to US Army Corps Standards, as well as International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards. 

We can also integrate single-beam or multibeam bathymetric surveys with topographic data we acquire above the waterline utilizing vessel-based laser scanners (LiDAR) or terrestrial-based land surveying. Thus, we can provide a model of the project site from the bottom of the seafloor up above the waterline in a seamless, integrated dataset.