RTK GNSS profiles are a well established method of capturing data in areas above water and in extreme shallows where bathymetric systems may not operate efficiently. Profiles can extend above water down to approximately 0.5m water depth to ensure there are no gaps in coverage between bathymetry and topography, ensuring a complete and seamless model of the survey site. 

RTK GNSS Profiles are an essential tool for coastal renourishment and beach foreshore surveys where variability of water level and weather conditions can limit data coverage for other methods such as drone photogrammetry. Perfect for cross sectional profiles and for areas that simply cannot be accessed any other way.

Total Hydrographic’s RTK GNSS sensors can be utilised with minimal lead time and as a solo operation. This often presents itself as the ideal cost effective solution for small to medium projects that require topography to accommodate a hydrographic survey. 

For clients, such as Dam and Reservoir managers or clients with maritime infrastructure, that are looking for 3D digital representation of their site above and below the waterline. Our Mobile Laser Scanning services, unlike traditional on-foot topographic surveys, can capture thousands of points per second whilst being integrated to our motion sensor unit to accommodate for vessel movement and other environmental conditions.

Mobile Laser systems such as the Carlson Merlin can be a viable topographic solution for capturing large sections of coastline or river bank, where it is not efficient, practical or safe for a surveyor to traverse on-foot. Total Hydrographic has experience in utilising MLS in projects such as reservoir survey scanning, harbour breakwall monitoring and wharf structural integrity inspection. 

Save time whilst mitigating safety hazards by utilizing an on-vessel MLS system without compromising the accuracy of the data

When the RTK GNSS observations cannot achieve the objective, traditional land survey tools such as Total Station can be implemented. Total Stations provide the greatest precision possible with observations to the millimeter.

Examples of Total Hydrographics total station use include surveying the lowest points of bridges and overhead obstructions relative to Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) for safe nautical passage.

Total Stations are also invaluable positional tool during autonomous survey vessel operations where overhead obstructions restrict GNSS coverage. Total Hydrographic has experience in integrating total station positional strings into hydrographic software in real time for remote reservoir surveys and water bodies with no clear sky coverage. 

Photogrammetry captured by drone can cover large areas of foreshore and coastal features efficiently, safely and accurately when used with appropriate ground control. Often captured at low tide, entire sections of beach can be captured and merged seamlessly with bathymetry.

Total Hydrographic can utilise its own DJI Phantom 4 drone or engage an external provider to implement the optimum drone solution for your project. The capture of topographic data with drones can significantly reduce the time and manpower of traditional land based methods. 

They are especially useful for mitigating environmental impacts in environmentally sensitive areas such as foreshore dune systems. They also provide a survey solution to unreachable areas, where harsh terrain or steep slopes might prevail, making it possible to gather accurate survey data along rocky shore environments. 

Data capture from drones is comprehensive in a single flight, data collected on the ground or infrastructure can be used to give you accurate measurements of distance and elevation. The imagery on infrastructure is a great tool for initial inspection of asset health, that can be tied in with below the water line side scan imagery or 3D point cloud data, providing a holistic view of the site.