Hydrographic surveying is imperative maritime geographic study. It analyses, describes and measures myriad sea features, working alongside bathymetric study to gain a comprehensive view of oceanic topography.
Furthermore, it also maps out any imperative coastal features and landscape, including features like currents, tides and waves, as well as the sea’s chemical and physical features. When combined, it is the study of pivotal information regarding what is happening in our waters.
These studies are then used for fields like ocean navigation, as well as tides measured for fisheries and coastal works like port constructions. Finally, a hydrographic survey helps marine experts understand the geographic features of a coastal landscape, ensuring a comprehensive knowledge of any sandbars or rocks of which professionals must be aware.
You can imagine that a lot of work goes into this field, so you want to choose the best in the industry! To do so, here are a list of key considerations before you put pen to paper:
- The company’s experience
This is a profound scientific field, and one that takes years to gain even the slightest amount of experience. Therefore, you want to choose a team with years of industry experience, as they will have advanced knowledge when it comes to the landscape’s details, orientation, positioning, scale and shapes.
So, look into the company’s experience: how long have they been providing this imperative service? If they have been surveying for many years then you can likely tell that they are a team with your best interests close at heart, as well as one who can provide a fully accurate depiction of the area you need surveyed.
- Do they have the latest technology
As with any form of scientific study, this industry is one that has seen many advancements over the years. Therefore, you want to ensure that the team you choose has the latest technology and the passion to use it to the highest efficiency. With tech ranging from tide gauges to sonar mapping equipment, laser scanners and more, you want to pick up a team who has the latest in scientific equipment, and not some old junk that looks more suitable for the first ever Jaws film.
- Do they have plenty of references?
This industry is one where if the company provides a winning service then they should have a raft of client testimonials who will say they took the hydrographic survey in the game. So, if they truly have the skills and experience you need to provide a fully accurate vision of the coastal landscape, you should be able to request a few references from them before you sign up for their expertise.
- Can they get started soon?
Your operation might be pressed for time, in which you will need a team who can likely get started as soon as possible. Therefore, you don’t want to be waiting around for months on end whilst your prospective team works on a job and doesn’t get back to your requests!
So, your prospective team should be highly responsive and ready to start work with you in the near-future, as well as fully accommodating to your requests and queries.
- Are they fully accredited?
Because you simply cannot get a team out on the water that doesn’t have the certification to provide this essential service. This is a highly specialised field with experts who have studied for years to reach this position, and you want to be sure that these are the experts going out on the water for your application!