Primary service · Geometry
Underwater Survey and 3D Mapping
Geometric capture of structures and water bodies. Depth profiles, site plans and reference models in CAD-/GIS-compatible formats — directly usable by engineering offices.
Problem & Triggers
As-built records of older structures frequently no longer match reality. Restoration planning, construction progress documentation, area accounting or expert reports need current geometry data — in a format the engineering office can process directly.
ScanSustain is engaged when restoration is being prepared, an as-built survey is due before a change of operator, construction progress must be documented, or environmental impact assessments require geometric baselines.
Method & Technology
Depending on the task, acquisition combines photogrammetric video capture, multibeam sonar and profile sonar. Data is georeferenced, rectified and processed into point clouds, depth profiles or 3D models.
Results are delivered in common exchange formats (DXF, LAS, orthomosaic, GeoTIFF and more), so the engineering office can continue working without media breaks. On request we also produce scaled plans or as-built books.
Typical Applications
- Restoration and deconstruction planning of harbour facilities
- 3D model of quay walls, bridge piers or dam walls
- Bathymetric mapping of harbour basins and rivers
- Construction progress documentation for underwater works
- As-built surveys for owner or operator change
- Geometric baseline for monitoring programmes
Mission Workflow
- Briefing
Target accuracy, delivery scale, exchange format and constraints are defined. - Planning
Reference and control points are set, acquisition plan and equipment configuration prepared. - Acquisition
Field capture with sonar, ROV photogrammetry or combined methods. - Processing
Rectification, georeferencing, point cloud creation, modelling and quality control. - Handover
Delivery in agreed formats including accuracy record and method protocol.
What You Receive
Point cloud / 3D model
Exported as LAS, PLY or DXF with documented accuracy and coordinate system.
Depth & site plans
Georeferenced maps at the agreed scale, GIS- and CAD-compatible.
Accuracy record
Record of control points, methodology and achieved tolerances.
Benefits for the Client
- Directly processable data without media breaks
- Solid geometry for tender, planning and settlement
- Traceable accuracy for expert reports and authority submissions
- Baseline for comparison with follow-up surveys (monitoring)
- Reduced queries through defined exchange formats
Relevant Sectors
Survey & Mapping is particularly in demand in these sectors:
Adjacent Services
If only a condition assessment without geometric evaluation is required, ROV Inspection is sufficient. If the goal is detection and localisation rather than geometry, Sonar & Scanning is the right path. If a geometric baseline is to be re-captured over time, survey interlocks with Monitoring & Recurring Inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accuracy can be achieved?
Depends on method, water conditions and control points. Centimetre to decimetre accuracy in CAD-ready products is realistic — the specific target is set in the briefing.
In which format is delivery?
Standard formats on request: DXF, LAS, PLY, GeoTIFF, DWG, PDF plan. Further formats by agreement.
Is the result prepared for court use?
Yes. Accuracy record, method protocol and control points are part of the handover, making the result traceable and verifiable.
Can the survey be repeated later?
Yes. Methodology is logged so follow-up surveys can use the same reference frame. This is the prerequisite for delta comparisons.
Related pages
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