Otak Survey Teams Expand Capabilities in Bathymetric Mapping and Hydraulic Modeling

April, 2021

Otak has long been at the forefront of survey and mapping processes and electronic data collection. With the recent acquisition of the Hyrdrolite single beam sonar and the Hydrone, an unmanned surface vessel (UVS) with the AutoNav system from Seafloor Systems, Otak’s survey teams have expanded capabilities in bathymetric mapping and hydraulic modeling. As Nathan Dasler, Otak Water Resources Engineer, states, “we now have an easy way of collecting a significant amount of accurate data for mapping channel bottoms to aid in our fish passage and stream restoration work, as well as construction and engineering projects that are either abutted against bodies of water or submerged.”

Equipped with pre-programmable GPS tracking, the UVS allows for remote data collection in otherwise challenging or inaccessible environments. Further, in situations where multiple surveys are needed over time, reliable data can be collected efficiently in the same location, and with extreme precision.

The application and use of the technology and equipment in the field are proving to be beneficial in a number of settings and project types including shoreline validation, hydraulic modeling, and sedimentation measurements. 

Read the complete story on how Otak is using this new technology and the data it provides to achieve greater outcomes.