Can anyone recommend sonar gear for small storm water ponds, generally an acre and less than 30 feet deep. I've got a few to do looking for silt build up. In the past I've used handheld sonar, with GNSS/RTN unit mounted on my kayak. Gets the job done, but there's got to be better options.
Maybe a through hull echo sounder that would work with SurvCE or MS FieldGenius? Anyone have experience with the Bathylogger gear?
Any suggestions are appreciated-thanks!
We use a Seafloor hydrone to do surveys for tidal docking structures. We have got pretty good results, though the saltwater degraded the sealant and we had to reseal the pontoons. Works just like a reagular prisim pole.
Setting up bathymetry for a 200 foot stormwater pond sounds a bit much. I just using my surf rod with a oversized float. Let it slip the weight to the bottom, locate the float, reel in to measure the depth. Two dozen shots should do it.?ÿ
Do some research on Sonarmite. We've used it before successfully.
Highly recommend Bathylogger and their Catamaran RC boat.?ÿ Very cost effective as well.
@oldpacer I concur. Unless you use the sonar boat and associated software on a somewhat regular basis you could get the underwater topo done for something that size by canoe and conventional methods by the time you get a sonar boat rented and read the instructions.
I??ll never forget the first time we rented a sonar boat. I brought my canoe as a backup plan. After getting the sonar boat stuck in the weeds for the tenth time I got my canoe out and paddled a grid with gps by the time they got the boat back on shore.
Though that was quite shallow. 30?? of water may be a bit more challenging.
I have the Bathycat with Bathylogger. Works well in both autonomous and manual mode.
Thanks for the recommendations-greatly appreciated!
I, too, have been known to do the occasional hydro-yakking.
She may not be pretty, but she chirps just fine. 😉
@amfromnome That's an impressive setup. Any chance you could share your parts list, especially the echo sounder and connection details? Thanks!
@oldpacer Can you elaborate on your equipment/technique? I understand the concept but can't quite picture what float/reel setup you're using. Thanks!?ÿ
My low budget version of your rig:
https://surveyorconnect.com/community/surveying-geomatics/getting-on-the-water/
One benefit is that the entire package can be carried in a small backpack. works well in a flat calm or very light winds.
less than an acre and 30' deep?
Those are some dangerous impoundments.?ÿ
I've only seen something like that in the O&G industry and they needed extensive safety features.?ÿ
Our storm water ponds are limited in depth, I suppose we don't have ponds like that cause this is a semi-arid area.?ÿ
We just did a small scour study in a riverbed. About 2 acres varying 1 5 to 18 feet deep. I needed to get depths in the swift fringes.
We rented a BathyCat system. I've done sonar for decades and this was the slickest setup I've ever used. It does require a PC to set data rate and temperature. The bluetooth module allows the controller to stay on shore. We'll be purchasing once the new 50 meter single beam is released next month. This would be perfect to rent for this project.?ÿ
