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A project in hydrographic surveys, initiated in October 2022, led by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, combines technology and traditional methods to transform precision and detail in maritime products and services for safe shipping.
The primary objective of this hydrographic survey is to produce comprehensive and highly detailed charts that can enhance navigation safety and accuracy. These navigational products for the maritime industry, as they guide vessels through waters and provide crucial information about underwater features. Traditionally, such surveys were labour-intensive and relied on rudimentary equipment, often resulting in incomplete and outdated data.
However, the current project represents a seismic shift in hydrographic surveying. It leverages state-of-the-art technology, particularly multi-beam echosounders, to capture every nuance of the seafloor. The survey is not just a routine data collection exercise but also will shape the future of hydrography.
One of the important aspects of this survey is its timeline. Spanning approximately eight weeks, this project is a testament to the efficiency and speed that modern technology can bring to complex tasks. By contrast, historical surveys conducted in the 1950s by the Navy took significantly longer to achieve similar results. The rapidity of this survey is a testament to the profound advancements in technology over the past decades.
What truly sets this survey apart is its scope and coverage. For the first time, the seafloor of the Poverty Bay area will receive 100% coverage, leaving no stone unturned or, in this case, no seafloor feature unmapped. The precision achieved through this project is akin to seeing the seabed with the water drained away.
The key technological innovation is the multi-beam echosounder. These devices are mounted on boats, which methodically crisscross the survey area. Enabling to record every detail of the seafloor.
Multi-beam echosounders emit a fan of sound waves that propagate through the water and bounce off objects on the seafloor. The echoes returned to the echosounder contain a wealth of information about the seabed’s depth, shape, and nature. By analysing these echoes, surveyors can construct detailed 3D images of the seafloor, revealing its contours and characteristics with precision.
Furtehrmore, the echo sounders are calibrated to operate at frequencies that do not harm marine mammals, ensuring the survey is conducted responsibly and with minimal ecological impact.
The coverage of this survey extends up to 4 nautical miles from the coastline and delves as deep as 80 meters in certain areas. Beyond updating navigational charts, this survey holds the potential to uncover previously unknown seafloor features such as reefs, shoals, and wrecks. It will also verify the depths of known objects, ensuring that navigational charts reflect the most current and accurate information.
However, the impact of this hydrographic survey goes beyond navigation. It has the potential to revolutionise marine habitat management, support the development of aquaculture ventures, aid in flood planning, and contribute to scientific research. The wealth of data collected during this survey will be valuable for multiple sectors, underscoring the broader implications of technology-driven hydrography.
To ensure accessibility and transparency, the 3D images and data derived from this survey will be published on the LINZ Data Service website. This digital platform will provide easy access to the information collected during the study, enabling researchers, scientists, and maritime professionals to make informed decisions based on the latest seafloor data.
Moreover, the updated nautical charts from this survey will be available through the free NZ Electronic Navigational Chart Service. This service ensures that mariners and vessels have access to the most up-to-date navigational information, enhancing safety and efficiency in maritime operations.
By harnessing the power of modern technology, this survey is providing unparalleled accuracy and coverage. As the project unfolds over the next eight weeks, it will leave a lasting impact on the maritime industry and our understanding of the seafloor, showcasing the transformative potential of technology in the most unexpected places.
