An imperative element of maritime studies is the charting, evaluation, description and measurements of underwater aspects, which are all part of hydrographic surveying. This field is connected to bathymetric studies, which is the charting of submarine topography.

Furthermore, this field also charts any coastal features and shapes, tides and waves, current trends and the water’s physical and chemical makeup. These studies are basically the study of defining vital factors happening under the ocean’s surface to assist people working in various maritime fields.

There are various reasons why this vital study is imperative, with the work being integral to navigating the ocean. This encompasses elements like harbour construction and naval defence, and is imperative to ensuring these works go ahead without any problems occurring under the ocean’s surface.

A thorough hydrographic survey is important to charting a region’s marine layout to define any rock or sand bar locations for drainage and irrigation systems. This analysis is further used to define and analyse water flow and quantity for power and water schemes as well as flood controls.

Imperative Aspects of this Field

There are five vital elements that must be enlisted to complete these studies. These include:

1. Position

There must be complete comprehension of the positioning to find specific information. Positioning is located through taking control or extending a previous evaluation and can be located using navigational satellites.

2. Orientation

The direction, also known as the “azimuth”, must be located to ensure the analysis orientation. This can be located through pinning two or more positions in the evaluation area. It can also be found through watching the sun or other heavenly body to pinpoint the position’s bearing in relation to the second location.

Read also: Embark on the Ultimate Adventure: A Road Trip Around Spain

3. Scale

The length between multiple positions has to be located to ensure the analysis can be represented to the accurate scale. This can be located through direct measurement or where two positions are already located.

4. Shape

Once the Azimuth, position and scale are pinpointed, further positions can provide for a more detailed analysis.

5. Detail

From the established information, the evaluation can then be fully performed, gathering all required information.

This includes a list of vital information that can be found through the evaluation:

• The low water & high water mark of the coastline;
• The nature of the seafloor at varying intervals across the area;
• The position of breakers, tide rips, fish stakers etc.;
• Tidal stream analysis;
• Photographic analysis;
• The navigation marks’ positions;
• Sailing directions evaluated and altered wreck details found & swept;
• Light information

Industry experts have a specialised training in this field, including how to conduct analysis, interpret the information, chart the information and turn it into a product which can be clearly explained to clients with expertise in different fields. They typically have a fleet of high grade vessels that contain state of the art technology for ensuring high quality results to convey to their clients.

With this in mind, you can see how this is an imperative aspect of oceanic study. It is vital for mapping out the varying oceanic elements that are used extensively throughout the maritime industry to support vital infrastructure. As such, it is plain to see why the experts must be enlisted to create, evaluate and convey this vital data to companies across maritime fields.

Finally, it is highly recommended that you always choose the best team in the business, and one with a reputation for providing highly accurate surveying with the most advanced technology at their disposal.