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 Up
to date knowledge of the bathymetry and tidal currents are essential to pilots
and harbour authorities to assist in the safe approach and berthing of vessels.
Where port entrances are restricted, perhaps due to natural features such
as rock outcrops, studies of the speed and direction of tidal currents aid
safe pilotage. Data can also be used in computer simulation for pilot training
and for pollution spill management. |
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 Dispersion
and dilution studies ensure confidence in the performance both of a proposed
and an existing outfall. |
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 Increasingly
stringent environmental legislation results in the need to understand near
shore water quality and discharges affecting it so that necessary engineering
improvements can be made. |
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The accuracy of any model depends on
the data used for construction and validation. Accurate oceanographic current
and water depth data, together with plume dispersion and drogue tracking
studies are therefore paramount particularly if the models have to be approved
by regulators. |
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Bathymetric and shallow seismic geophysical
data is required when planning routes for laying of new pipelines or cables
to determine seabed sediment depth and structure. Post lay studies may include
sidescan sonar to identify freespans and confirm placement. Survey data are
typically merged with traditional land survey data and diving surveys to
ensure continunity of data across the land/sea interface.
Dredging of ports
Many stretches of coastline are under threat
from increasing sea-levels or changes in sediment transport, sometimes due
to engineering developments in coastal protection in adjacent areas. Studies
can include beach surveying overlapped with shallow water near shore bathymetry
and sidescan sonar surveys.