INTRODUCTORY HYDROGRAPHIC

SURVEYING
SUG 250

First Topic
Introduction to Bathymetry Surveying
Hydrographic survey in coastal waters
Definition of hydrographic survey
Nautical chart
Specification and planning

(08 hrs)

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

Understand the definition of Hydrography
State the definition of Hydrographic Surveying in coastal waters
Identify the roles and the functions of Nautical Chart, Notice to Mariners,
Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) and Electronic Chart Display and
Information System (ECDIS).
Describe differences between a Nautical Chart and Map.
Explain necessary planning of the hydrographic surveying work base
on scope and specification of work.

What is Hydrography?

Hydrographic Survey ???

Definition of Hydrography
The current definition of Hydrography contained in the Hydrographic
Dictionary states that:
Hydrography is that branch of applied sciences which
deals with the measurement and description of the
features of the sea and coastal areas for the primary
purpose of navigation and all other marine purposes and
activities including (inter alia) offshore activities,
research, protection of the marine environment and
prediction services.

http://www.iho.int/mtg_docs/com_wg/ISPWG/ISPWG1/ispwg01-04Adefinition.pdf

Definition of Hydrography
Definition of Hydrography according to *IHO Strategic Plan Working
Group (ISPWG)
Hydrography is the branch of applied sciences which
deals with the measurement and description of the
physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes
and rivers, as well as with the prediction of their change
over time, for the primary purpose of safety of navigation
and in support of all other marine activities, including
economic development, security and defence, scientific
research, and environmental protection.
* The International Hydrographic Organization is an intergovernmental consultative and technical
organization that was established in 1921 to support safety of navigation and the protection of the
marine environment.

http://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=299&Itemid=289

Definition of Hydrography
From Wikipedia,
Hydrography is the measurement of the depths, the tides and
currents of a body of water and establishment of the sea, river
or lake bed topography and morphology.
Normally and historically for the purpose of charting a body of
water for the safe navigation of shipping.
It includes the positioning and identification of things such as
wrecks, reefs, structures (platforms etc), navigational lights,
marks and buoys and coastline characteristics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrography

Definition of Hydrography
Hydrography focuses on the measurement of physical
characteristics of waters and marginal land.

Hydrography generally refers to the measurement and description

of any waters, and specifically refers to those measurements and
descriptions of navigable waters necessary for safe navigation of
vessels.

http://wiki.gis.com/wiki/index.php/Hydrography

Definition of Hydrography
The measurement and description of the physical features
and conditions of navigable waters and adjoining coastal
areas, including oceans, rivers, and lakes.
It involves geodesy, physical oceanography, marine
geology, geophysics, photogrammetry (in coastal areas),
remote sensing, and marine cartography.
Basic parameters observed during a hydrographic survey
are time, geographic position, depth of water, and bottom
type.
However, observation, analysis, and prediction of tides and
currents area are also normally included in order to reduce
depth measurements to a common vertical datum

http://www.answers.com/topic/hydrography

Hydrographic survey
From Wikipedia,

Hydrographic survey is the science of measurement

and description of features which affect maritime
navigation, marine construction, dredging, offshore oil
exploration/drilling and related disciplines.
Strong emphasis is placed on soundings, shorelines,
tides, currents, sea floor and submerged obstructions
that relate to the previously mentioned activities.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrographic_survey

Hydrographic Survey

Hydrographic Survey
A Hydrographic Survey is the 'mapping' of an area of
sea and surrounding coastal detail.
The information from a survey enables a cartographer to
portray a part of the Earth's surface on a flat piece of
paper and indicate by soundings, height and depth
contours and spot heights, the various irregularities both
above and below the sea surface.

http://www.hydro.gov.au/aboutus/what.htm

Hydrographic Survey
Hydrographical measurements will include the tidal, current and wave
information of physical oceanography.
They will include bottom measurements, with particular emphasis on
those marine geographical features that pose a hazard to navigation
such as rocks, shoals, reefs and other features that obstruct ship
passage.

Bottom measurements also include collection of the nature of the

bottom as it pertains to effective anchoring.
Unlike oceanography, hydrography will include shore features, natural
and manmade, that aid in navigation.
A hydrographic survey will therefore include accurate positions and
representations of hills, mountains and even lights and towers that will
aid in fixing a ship's position as well as the aspects of the sea and
seabed
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrography

Hydrographic Survey

Objective of Hydrography
A principal objective of hydrography is to provide for safe
navigation and protection of the marine environment
through the production of up-to-date nautical charts and
related publications.
In addition, hydrographic data are essential to a multitude
of other activities such as global studies, for example,
shoreline erosion and sediment transport studies; coastal
construction; delimitation of maritime boundaries;
environmental protection and pollution control; exploration
and exploitation of marine resources, both living and
nonliving; and development of marine geographic
information systems (GIS).

http://www.answers.com/topic/hydrography

A Typical Single-beam Echo Sounding Plan

Bathymetric Map

Bathymetric Map

Bathymetric Map

The Nautical Chart

The Nautical Chart is one of the most fundamental tools available to
the mariner. Charts are available in various formats.
A Nautical Chart is a graphic portrayal of the marine environment
showing the nature and form of the coast, the general configuration of
the sea bottom including water depths, locations of dangers to
navigation, locations and characteristics of man-made aids to
navigation and other features useful to the mariner.
The Nautical Chart is essential for safe navigation. In conjunction with
supplemental navigational aids, it is used by the mariner to lay out
courses and navigate ships by the shortest and most economically
safe route.

https://www1.nga.mil/ProductsServices/NauticalHydrographicBathymetricProduct/Pages/NauticalCharts.aspx

The Nautical Chart

From Wikipedia

A nautical chart is a graphic representation of a maritime area and adjacent

coastal regions.
Depending on the scale of the chart, it may show depths of water and heights of
land (topographic map), natural features of the seabed, details of the coastline,
navigational hazards, locations of natural and man-made aids to navigation,
information on tides and currents, local details of the Earth's magnetic field, and
man-made structures such as harbours, buildings, and bridges.
Nautical charts are essential tools for marine navigation; many countries require
vessels, especially commercial ships, to carry them.
Nautical charting may take the form of charts printed on paper or computerised
electronic navigational charts.
Recent technologies have made available paper charts which are printed "on
demand" with cartographic data that has been downloaded to the commercial
printing company as recently as the night before printing.
With each daily download, critical data such as Local Notice to Mariners is added
to the on-demand chart files so that these charts will be 100% up to date at the
time of printing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nautical_chart

Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)

Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) are official electronic vector
charts produced in compliance with the S-57 format of the
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).
Is an official database created by a national hydrographic office for
use with an Electronic Chart Display and Information System
(ECDIS).
An electronic chart must conform to standards stated in the
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Special Publication
S-57 before it can be certified as an ENC.

Only ENCs can be used within ECDIS to meet the International

Maritime Organisation (IMO) performance standard for ECDIS.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_navigational_chart

Electronic Chart Display and Information System

(ECDIS)
Is a computer-based navigation information system that
complies with International Maritime Organization (IMO)
regulations and can be used as an alternative to paper
nautical charts.
IMO refers to similar systems not meeting the regulations as
Electronic Chart Systems (ECS).

An ECDIS system displays the information from electronic

navigational charts (ENC) and integrates position
information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and
other navigational sensors, such as radar and automatic
identification systems (AIS).
It may also display additional navigation-related information,
such as Sailing Directions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Chart_Display_and_Information_System

ECDIS

Function of ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)

Information other
than paper charts

Elements of chart
display

Characteristics of
digital information

plots of ship positions

warning to dangers
superimposing with
Radar and other
images, etc.

adjustable displaying
brightness to the
bridge enviromment
auto scrolling of chart
area on the course
auto loading of
necessary charts, etc.

selectable of display
contents
enlargement/reduction
of display contents
storing up and reaccessing to log books,
etc

http://www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/KOKAI/ENC/English/about_enc.html

ECDIS

ECDIS

Notice to Mariners
A notice to mariners is weekly notices
concerning changes in navigation matters that are
used by mariners to keep their charts updated
regularly; NTM for short
Advises mariners of important matters affecting
navigational safety, including new hydrographic
information, changes in channels and aids to
navigation, and other important data.
Over 60 countries which produce nautical charts
also produce a notice to mariners. About one third
of these are weekly, another third are bi-monthly
or monthly, and the rest irregularly issued
according to need. For example, the United
Kingdom Hydrographic Office issues weekly
updates.

Differences between a Nautical Chart and Map?

NAUTIC AL CHART

MAP

A nautical chart provides a very detailed

and accurate representation of the
coastline, which takes into account
varying tidal levels and water forms,
critical to a navigator.

A map, on the other hand,

emphasizes land forms, with
shoreline represented much less
accurately.

Nautical Charts provide detailed

information on the area beneath the
water surface, normally not visible to
the naked eye, which can and is very
critical for the safe and efficient
navigation

Maps just indicate a surface path

providing no information of the
condition of the surface path for
example maps provide no information
of the condition of a road.

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/learn_diff_map_chart.html

Differences between a Nautical Chart and Map?

NAUTIC AL CHART
A nautical chart is a working document.
It is used to plot courses for navigators to
follow in order to transit a certain area It
takes into account special conditions
required for one's vessel, such as draft,
bottom clearance, wrecks and obstructions
which can be hazardous.

MAP
A map on the other hand is a static
document which serves as a reference
guide. A map is not, and can not be used
to plot a course. Rather it provides a
predetermined course, usually a road,
path, etc., to be followed.

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/learn_diff_map_chart.html

EXAMPLE OF NAUTICAL CHART

EXAMPLE OF NAUTICAL CHART

EXAMPLE OF NAUTICAL CHART

Bathymetric Map

The Activities of Hydrographic Survey

A hydrographic survey may be conducted to support a variety of activities:

nautical charting,
port and harbor maintenance (dredging),
coastal engineering (beach erosion and replenishment studies),
coastal zone management,
and offshore resource development.
Measurement of tides at sea coast for tidal analysis and predictions
Determination of direction of current
dredging

Activities of Hydrographic Survey

The Importance of Hydrography according to IHO

In addition to supporting safe and efficiient navigation of ships,
hydrography underpins almost every other activity associated with
the sea, including:

resource exploitation - fishing, minerals etc

environmental protection and management
maritime boundary delimitation
national marine spatial data infrastructures
recreational boating
maritime defence and security
tsunami flood and inundation modelling
coastal zone management
tourism
marine science

http://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=302&Itemid=290

What are the Marine information..?

Seabed Geology
Used of seismic equipment..eg- boomer/parker with hydrophone..
Seabed sediment /Sampling
Used of equipment such asgrab, vibro corer etc.
Depth
Used of Echosounder single beam or multibeam
Seabed topography/information
Used of Side scan Sonar and etc.
Physical Oceanography
Temperature, current, tides, salinity etc.
Gravity and earths magnetic field
To produce magnetic chart magnetic distribution, gravimetric and
geomagnetic data

What are the aspect of hydrography?

Can be divided into 3 main aspects: Coastal

Most of the jobs at coastal area are related to the construction of
port/harbors, other engineering structures, coastal erosion, port and
harbor maintenance maintenance dredging along the port
channels (safety navigation)
Offshore
Data collections for coastal zone.
Offshore exploration hydrocarbon (oil & gas)
Data collections for fisheries industry
Oceanic
Data collections for seabed mapping continental shelf survey
Hydrographic survey data collections is a very systematic process and very
costly.
The final output is in nautical chart, hydrographic plan.

Offshore exploration oil & gas

List of Hydrographic Society

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

Federation International Des Geometres (FIG)
The Hydrographic Society
The International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The International of Lighthouse Authorities

The Scope of Work in Hydrographic Survey

Data Collections
Geophysics, bathymetry, current, tides, seabed sampling, positioning.
Data Processing
All data have to process before a pictorial representation of the seabed
relief can be obtain
Data Presentation
Nautical Chart, hydrographic plan, bathymetric plan
Data Updating
As Nautical Chart is very essential, so it must be up to date.
Any changes after the chart has been produced, have to be added on
the chart.
Notices to mariners is a weekly publication to inform the mariners
about any changes to nautical chart. Eg; construction, aid to navigations

IHO Standard for Hydrographic Survey

Minimum Standard for Hydrographic Survey

Minimum Standard for Navigation

The Used of Hydrographic Data

Mostly it is used by the mariners.

However can be divided into 3 main cores: Sea Navigation
Coastal Zone Management
Oil and Gas Exploration

Categories of Hydrographer
According to THE THIRD UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON
THE LAW OF THE SEA (UNCLOSS III), FIG/IHO has design a
standard curriculum called Standards of Competence for
Hydrographic Surveyors
There are 2 categories of Hydrographer: Category A
Category B

Malaysia Agency Related to Hydrography

Pusat Hidrografi Negara (TLDM)

Jabatan Laut Malaysia
Port Authority
Petronas
JPS

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYING PRACTICE

1. Planning of the hydrographic surveying work are base on:
Scope of work.
Specification of work.

Scope of work

Hydrographic Survey

Topographic Survey

Current recording

Water level (tidal) measurement, analysis and

prediction

Samplings

SPECIFICATIONS
Planimetric Control
Height Control
Datum Used and Relationship
Accuracy for Horizontal Positioning
and in Elevations (Heighting)
Water Level (Tidal) Observation
Check Lines

Based on Scope and Specification of work we can plan:

List of equipments
List of personal
When to mob and demob
Duration to complete the work

Duration to complete the work can calculate or estimate from:

Size of survey area

Direction of sounding line
Number of sounding line
Total distance of sounding line
Number of cross/check line
Total distance of cross/check line
Total distance sounding and cross/check line
Speed of survey boat (4 7 nautical mile)
1 nautical mile = 1.852 km/h

Duration to complete the work

Hydrographic Survey of small
scale area 6,000m x 2,000m at
20m spacing with 200m
checkline as shown in diagram.

 Number of sounding line = (2,000/20) + 1

= 101 lines
Total distance of sounding line = 101 x 6km
=606km
Number of cross/check line = (6000/200) + 1
= 31 lines
Total distance of cross/check line = 31 x 2km
= 62km
Total distance sounding and cross/check line = 606km + 62 km
= 668km

2. Final scale of drawing should be used to confirmed

(if not stated)
Line interval (10 mm on the drawing)
Fix interval (5-7 mm on the drawing)

3. Collect all relevant information of the survey area

List of BMs
List of CPs
Topo map of the area
Any record on CD or TBM or control point
Previous survey record, data or plan

 Site visit to identify

general condition of survey area.

the best location for tide gauge installation
Horizontal control point monuments
Vertical control -nearest BM or CD control point
any jetty in vicinity
any boat for rental

4. Horizontal control point

Method to be used
GPS static mode
DGPS
traversing
Acceptable accuracy
Existing boundary mark/control point
Number of control point to establish
Equipment based on method used
Coordinates transformation program

5. Vertical control point

Selection of control point

Reference BM or TBM
Tide gauge or tide pole location
Acceptable accuracy
Leveling method
Equipment

6. Tide gauge installation

The best location of tide gauge installation
Tide gauge types
Method of installation
Personnel
Observation interval 10 15 min
Duration

7. Survey boat
Boat size/acceptable size
Owner and contact number
Rental rates
Helmsman
Installation of equipment
Permit
Safety gears

8. Positioning
Method of positioning

DGPS
EPF
Acoustic
Optical

Accuracy (+/- 2 meters)

List of equipments based on method of positioning
List of transformation parameters
Final working coordinate system
WGS 84
UTM
MRSO
BRSO
Cassini

9. Depth measurement
Use echo sounder
Bar check calibration
Installation gears/accessories- cable, echo trace, bar
check plate
The frequency of the transducer
High Frequency
Low Frequency
Dual Frequency

10. Sounding
Generate sounding line (SOL and EOL coordinates)
Generate crosslines (SOL and EOL coordinates)
Offline within 20% - 30% of the line interval
Line and fix interval
Speed of survey boat (4 7 knot)

The Principles of SOUNDING

These slides describe the general requirements and basic methods
that can be employed for manual in sounding operations.

PLANNING LINES OF SOUNDING

Sounding is the primary method by which the topography of the
seabed is determined.
It involves running along pre-determined tracks (sounding line) using
an echo sounder to continuously measure depth.
Position fixes (fix interval) are taken at regular intervals.
Subsequently, the depths obtained from the echo sounder can be
related to the track followed and a measured depth superimposed
upon it.
Before commencing depth sounding operations, hydrographers must
decide on a plan. This plan must satisfy two basic requirements:
It must provide for the delineation of the topography of the seabed in
the most economical and expedient manner.
When it has been completed it must ensure that there is very little
possibility that dangers to navigation will have been overlooked.

SCALE OF SURVEY
In general the scale on which the survey is conducted is dictated by
a combination of the nature of the bottom, the general depth, and the
complexity of the area.

LINE SPACING / INTERVAL

Planned lines of sounding must cover the seabed in a precise
manner.
They should therefore be straight or nearly straight and evenly
spaced.
The accepted spacing interval in the RAN for lines of sounding is
5mm on paper. The internationally accepted minimum is 10mm.

DIRECTION OF LINES
The direction of sounding lines should aim to satisfy the following
criteria. Lines should be run:
at right angles to contours, and
at right angles to coastlines.
However these may conflict with:
the best direction for Side Scan Sonar,
other sounding requirements, and
navigational safety.
The above are guidelines, not rigid rules. It may be necessary to
compromise over conflicting requirements, for example, running lines
parallel to contours for boat's safety.
FIXING INTERVAL
Generally the fixing interval should be as short as possible and the
boat's speed as fast as possible, so long as it does not exceed the limits
of carefulness.
Manually plotted fixes should be spaced between 10-25mm apart on the
fix plot.

Crosslines

Crosslines are lines of soundings run at an angle (generally about 90) to

the normal lines in a sounding plan at intervals of 20 times the line spacing
of the main line soundings.
They should normally be run first.
Crosslines are run for the following reasons:
to provide a check against work which has already
been carried out
to delineate a contour line accurately, where for
some reason the normal lines fail to do this

11. DGPS integrity check

Establishment of point for positioning check
Near survey area
Carry out before start of work

12. Datum for sounding

Selection of datum based on specifications of the job.
Datum transfer
Tidal observation
Relationship between LSD, MSL and Chart Datum

13. Navigation software

Selection of navigation software
Geodetic parameter
Cables
Port set up
System configuration
Accessories
Manuals

14. Other surveys

Topographic Survey
Current recording
Water level (tidal) measurement,
analysis and prediction
Samplings

15. Logistic
Accommodation and foods
Charging the batteries
Safety of the equipment/store
Transportations
Crew change
Communication device (hand phone, walkie-talkie)
Permit and documents
Safety gears

16. Processing
Reduced sounding
Bathymetric plan
Title block
Report

Location of current meters and water level measurements.

Location of samplings.