To support the allocation of marine resources, Welsh Government sought to better understand seabed characteristics in Welsh waters.

In line with ongoing data gathering on habitats around the Welsh coast, the government collected hydrographic multibeam bathymetry (seabed depth) and backscatter (seabed intensity) data as part of two large offshore survey campaigns.

To help Welsh Government and other stakeholders better understand seabed characteristics in resource areas, ABPmer was commissioned to review and process the data.

The processing was carried out by our specialist surveyors using industry-leading software, ensuring high-quality, accurate data was delivered to the client in a short timeframe.

Our surveyors corrected the data to account for sensor offsets and misalignment, positioning and attitude measurements and sound velocity of the water column using BeamworX processing software suite.

Navigation and attitude (motion) data was post-processed in Applanix POSPac MMS software using the Applanix Singlebase processing methodology. This data was then applied to the source data as a smoothed best estimate of trajectory to provide <5 cm 3D position accuracy.

The corrected data was then reviewed and cleaned to remove erroneous soundings and noise, and a 0.5 m gridded mean bathymetry surface was produced. All processed soundings error budgets conformed to the International Hydrographic Association’s Order 1a survey requirements.

Data deliverables were produced relative to the WGS84 UTM30N coordinate reference system and Ordnance Datum Newlyn (ODN).

Time-series backscatter data logged during acquisition (termed ‘snippets’) was imported into FMGT (Fledermaus Geocoder Toolbox) software to produce a backscatter mosaic of seabed intensity allowing for provision of vital information on seabed sediment types and potential benthic habitats.

Alongside the processed data, ABPmer also utilised our extensive inhouse experience and industry best practices to offer technical insight and recommendations to enhance the client’s data acquisition setup further, helping to improve the accuracy and precision of future hydrographic survey campaigns. 

ABPmer offers the full complement of survey capability, providing bespoke services to developers and operators including charting, data processing and laboratory analysis. As an integrated consultancy and survey company, we offer a unique service to those operating in the marine environment.

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