Single Beam Bathymetry
As a mainstay of our work, single beam bathymetry uses an echo sounder to measure depths under the survey vessel. The depths are measured along the track of the vessel. With proper calibration, the data is reliable and relatively inexpensive to collect. A dual frequency system is used to “see through” fluid mud or into the surface of the sea floor. Often, changes in the sea floor composition can be detected.
Equipment: Knudsen, ODOM CVM, or Hydrotrac |
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Multibeam Bathymetry
Multibeam bathymetry measures depths in a swath perpendicular to the direction that the survey vessel is traveling. The width of the swath is often twice the water depth or greater. When detailed knowledge of the bottom and its features are needed, multibeam provides a robust solution. Sand waves, trenches and structures can all be seen with multibeam.
Equipment: R2Sonic 2024, ODOM ES3, or Reson 8101 |
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Multibeam/LiDAR Structure Surveying
Multibeam echo sounders are used to produce a "point cloud" of underwater structures. Knowing the size and location of structural members can be critical in the design, construction, or repair process. A laser scanner can be added to the system to obtain detailed measurements on the structure above the waterline.
Equipment: R2Sonic 2024, MDL SLM LiDAR |
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Real-time Dredge Support
Production during dredging projects can be greatly increased by real-time monitoring of positioning and depth. The dredge template and channel definition can be used to build a virtual model of the project. This model is loaded into the in-cab software. Dredging progress can then be monitored in real-time eliminating sweeping areas that have already been dredged or skipping areas that need to be dredged.
Equipment: HYPACK's DREDGEPACK, Hemisphere positioning, various tide gauges, inclinometers |
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High Resolution Seismic or Sub-bottom Profiling
When details of the structure of the sea floor are required we often turn to sub-bottom profiling. A “chirp” signal in the 2 to 24kHz range is typically used to produce a two-dimensional profile of the sea floor. Sand, mud, organic, oyster shell and other layers can be mapped. Core data and other geotechnical information are often used to correlate layers and determine the composition of the sea floor.
Equipment: Edgetech 3100-P sub-bottom profiling system with SB-216S or SB-424 tow vehicles |
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Sediment Sampling and Vibracore
The quality of remote sensing surveys such as sub-bottom profiling or side scan sonar can be greatly improved by “ground truthing” or obtaining physical samples. When samples of the sea floor or shallow cores are required, we can often obtain them utilizing the same vessels that are used for the surveys. Grab samples are accomplished with mini-ponar, dredge or drop core equipment. Vibracores are accomplished using hydraulic or air powered rigs.
Equipment: custom built in-house |
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Current Meters (ECM, ADCP) and Tides
Tide and wave action is critically important to coastal facilities. We can deploy and monitor electromagnetic current meters (single point) and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (profile). Over-the-side deployment may be useful in inlets and other waterways. We can detect and measure infragravity waves related to storm events. Temporary tide gauges can be installed on existing structures or we can drive small pile structures.
Equipment: Valeport, Sontek |
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Benthic and Water Column Biological Sampling
Many projects are controlled or driven by the biology in the area. We can support almost any type of sampling including pulling nets, plankton trawls or physical bottom samples. We have all of the necessary commercial fishing permits and facilities to catch and release or preserve samples at a temperature of -100F. |
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Side Scan Sonar Mapping
Another mainstay of our work, side scan sonar is an extremely efficient method to map the surface of the sea floor. Items from the size of a paint can to a sunken ship can be detected and mapped. Side Scan Sonar is often used in conjunction with multibeam bathymetry to assist in identifying features on the sea floor. Seagrass, oyster reefs and other natural features can be detected. Man -made objects that are lost or present a hazard are located and mapped using side scan sonar.
Equipment: Edgetech 4125-P system with 400/900kHz or 400/1250kHz towfish |
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Fixed Scanning
Fixed scanners are used to produce an image of the sea floor or structures in localized areas. Whether directing divers to an object or detailing a damaged set of bridge pilings, nothing beats a fixed scanner for “seeing” through murky water.
Equipment: Kongsberg-Mesotech MS-1000 |
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Magnetometer Surveys
The earth’s magnetic field is disturbed by any ferrous object. Magnetometers are used to detect these disturbances and locate ferrous objects on or beneath the sea floor. A magnetometer survey is often completed in conjunction with side scan sonar mapping to locate pipelines, lost items and hazards. |
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Debris Removal
Man-made objects that end up on the sea floor may present a hazard to navigation or be detrimental to the environment. Naismith Marine Services uses the latest technology to locate debris, but often uses “old school” methods for picking it up. We have debris hooks, nets and other devices to snag and winch up most debris. Divers are routinely utilized to harness objects. Our small boats can handle debris up to one ton in weight. We bring in larger vessels to retrieve heavy or large objects. |
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Beach Profiling
Naismith Marine is the industry leader in beach profile surveying along the gulf coast. We custom build our high- precision sleds for work in the surf zone. Possibly just as important is our experience in working the “weather windows” when the best data can be obtained. Surveying from the back of the dune line to depth-of- closure in the shortest possible time provides a snapshot of the beach conditions at the time.
Equipment: Custom built sleds, Hemisphere S320 or Trimble R-8 GPS-RTK |
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Land Surveying
Many projects extend from the water onto the adjacent land. We are land surveyors and maintain the skills and equipment needed for any related upland surveying. We excel in the surf zone, marshes and other transition areas. |
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