Hydrographic Surveying Services – Precision Mapping Below the Waterline.

What is Hydrographic Surveying?

OnePlan Hydrographic Surveying for precision mapping

Hydrographic surveying is the science of measuring and mapping features beneath the surface of water bodies — including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal zones. These surveys capture bathymetric (depth) data and identify underwater terrain, obstructions, sediments, and man-made structures.

The insights gained are critical for:
• Planning marine or waterfront construction.
• Monitoring erosion or sedimentation.
• Designing bridges, jetties, culverts, and pipelines.
• Managing stormwater, flood zones, and wetlands.
• Ensuring safe navigation for vessels.
• Environmental impact assessments and compliance.

When is Hydrographic Surveying needed?

Hydrographic surveys are typically required in the following scenarios:

Infrastructure Projects: Before constructing bridges, piers, marinas, or crossings, developers need accurate underwater data for design and engineering.

Flood and Drainage Studies: Local councils and engineers use hydrographic surveys to model water flow, sedimentation, and channel capacity in flood-prone areas.

Environmental Monitoring: Baseline and ongoing surveys support compliance with environmental approvals and track changes in riverbeds, wetlands, or estuarine environments.

Asset Inspections: Councils and water authorities use hydrographic data to assess the condition of underwater assets and manage maintenance.

Dredging Projects: Hydrographic surveys guide dredging operations and ensure volumes and depths meet project specifications.

OnePlan Hydrographic Surveying for water bodies lake rivers

Our Hydrographic Survey Equipment and Expertise

At OnePlan Group, we invest in industry-leading equipment and experienced personnel to ensure the highest standard of hydrographic data collection and analysis.

Specialised Equipment Includes:

Hydrographic Survey Vessel: A custom survey boat equipped for shallow and mid-depth environments, enabling access to inland waterways and restricted areas.

Single-Beam & Multi-Beam Echo Sounders: High-precision sonar systems that measure water depths and generate digital terrain models (DTMs) of the seabed or riverbed.

Differential GPS (GNSS): For precise horizontal positioning and georeferencing of sonar data.

Data Logging & GIS Software: To collect, process, and visualise spatial information in formats compatible with CAD, GIS, and engineering platforms.

Our hydrographic surveyors are trained in both field data collection and post-processing, ensuring that the final deliverables are accurate, comprehensive, and ready for engineering, environmental, or regulatory use.

What you’ll receive in your Hydrographic Survey Report

At the completion of your hydrographic survey, OnePlan Group provides a clear, comprehensive report tailored to your project requirements. Our deliverables are designed to support engineers, environmental consultants, planners, and regulatory submissions.

You’ll typically receive:

• Bathymetric Maps and Contour Plans – Accurate representations of underwater topography, including depth contours and terrain features.

• Georeferenced Digital Files – CAD (.dwg/.dxf), GIS, or PDF files compatible with engineering and design platforms.

• Cross-Section Profiles – Longitudinal and cross-sectional views of channels, riverbeds, or seabeds for design and analysis.

• Raw and Processed Sonar Data – Full datasets from echo sounders, suitable for independent review or future modelling.

• Survey Methodology Summary – A breakdown of the equipment used, accuracy standards, and survey conditions.

• Site Observations & Anomalies – Notes on visible or sonar-detected obstructions, sediment build-up, or structural issues.

• Compliance-Ready Reporting – Formats and documentation suitable for planning permits, environmental approvals, or engineering submissions.

Our reports are delivered promptly and include a debrief session to help you interpret the data and plan your next steps with confidence.

Ready to Get Started? Let’s Talk About Your Project

Contact us today to request a quote, discuss your project, or learn more about how our hydrographic services can support your development.

Enquire now