Exploring the Depths: The Advantages and Types of Bathymetric Survey

Exploring the Depths: The Advantages and Types of Bathymetric Survey Drones used by Falcon Survey

Bathymetric survey drones, also known as underwater drones, are becoming an increasingly popular tool for conducting surveys of the ocean floor. These drones comeinavarietyofdifferenttypes,eachwiththeirown uniquefeaturesandcapabilities.

Remotely

ROVs are tethered to a surface vessel and are controlled by a pilot from the surface. Theytypicallyhaveawiderangeofsensors and instruments, including cameras, sonars, and water quality sensors. ROVs are often used for deep-water surveys, as they can reach depths of up to 6,000 meters. They are also commonly used for inspections of offshore structures, such as oil rigs, and for search and recovery operations.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

AUVsareself-containedandcanoperateindependentlyofasurface vessel. They are programmed with a mission plan before being deployed and can navigate and collect data without human intervention. AUVs typically have a limited range and endurance compared to ROVs, but they are able to survey areas that are difficult or impossible for manned vehicles to reach. They are often used for mapping the ocean floor and for environmental monitoring.

Hybrid ROV/AUV

These drones combine the capabilities of both ROVs and AUVs, allowing them to be remotely operated or to operate independently, depending on the mission requirements. They can also switch between modes mid-mission, if necessary. The ability to operate in both modes is useful for tasks that require more precise control and maneuverability, such as inspections and search and recovery operations,butitisalsotheabilitytosurveylargerareasoftheocean floorautonomously.

Surface Drone

Another type of bathymetric survey drone is the surface drone, also known as a surface-supply drone, which typically used to survey shallowwaterandthecoastlines.Thesedronesareoperatedfromthe surface, and they use cameras and sonars to collect data while floating on the water surface. They are useful for conducting surveys in areas that are too shallow for traditional survey methods, such as manned boats or submersibles, and also for surveying coastal areas thatmaybedifficulttoaccess.

Manned Submersible

The manned underwater vehicle is able to reach depths of up to 3000 meters. These vehicles are typically operated by a pilot and can carry additional passengers, such as scientists, who are able to conduct research in real-time. Manned submersibles are often used for scientificresearchandforexploringshipwrecksandotherunderwater structures.