When it comes to hydrographic surveying, there are five key kinds of surveys that you will find, even though there are also lots of varying subsets of the major types that are used in the industry. This article lists the foremost types of surveys that are used in the industry.
1. General surveys
This refers to the study of mean sea level, bathymetric plots, depth of water, and the determination of coastlines. They are certainly the most common kind of survey. They feature applications in geological studies as well as science.
2. Port and harbour surveys
These are conducted to find out the most ideal locations where these structures can be built. Performed by national authorities, they analyze the most ideal potential places which, don’t feature draft restrictions on ocean-going vessels. For example, some lagoons could be surrounded by corrals that could prevent ships from coming close to the mainland. These factors have to be considered before constructing any port. Furthermore, underwater supports on which piers float must be solidly supported as well. Silt or lose mud might seem to rock the foundation with time, and dredging might be needed.
3. Passage surveys
These are used for the determination of inland waterways’ conditions, to transform them into passages that ships will pass through. Performed to boost trade and productivity, this category of surveys examine the analysis of the mean draft, the passage’s width, and restrictions that have to be imposed on vessels’ size. This is among the most popular jobs done by professional hydrographic surveyors. Furthermore, passage surveys examine the feasibility of developing straits, like those of the Suez as well as Panama canals.
4. Coastal surveys
These are performed in studying a country’s coastline and documenting the fauna and flora that live close to it. This survey is normally carried out with a nation’s maritime boundaries as far out as two hundred nautical miles beyond the country’s coast. Moreover, they help in the study of potential land reclamation projects.
5. Wreckage surveys
This is carried out to study a wreckage’s position. They can be performed as a component of investigative efforts for the determination of the potential causes that made a vessel sink, or probably as a component of the salvage process. Vessels do sink as a result of flooding that takes place through the hull. It is quite viable to have expert hydrographers analyze the wreckage’s site. They can offer real insights into the structural damage as well as potential reasons that caused flooding. During operations aimed at salvage, it is quite crucial to make sure that no damage comes to both the vessel as well as its surrounding areas. So, by running varying tests on the location on which the wreckage is sitting, a viable way to salvage it can be selected.
In conclusion, when it comes to hydrographic surveying, these are the five major types of surveys that are undertaken by the experts. These surveys enable engineers to plan crucial projects like land reclamation activities. By showing data on the topography as well as the composition of the seabed, sites at which reclamation is to be carried out can be chosen. Engineers can then determine the feasibility of varying projects being carried out.
