A link to the Z-Boat so you know what I'm talking about: http://www.oceanscience.com/Products/Z-Boat/ wfs
Looking at a proposal that includes bathymetric surveys of small water bodies. For health/safety reasons we would not consider wading or putting personnel in a boat, etc, which is what we've done in the past.
From a technical standpoint the Z-Boats look like the perfect alternative, but time (to acquire and train) and money (rather pricey) outweigh at this point.
So, any other unmanned sonar/GPS/positioning combos out there? Or ideas on rigging something up?
I'm currently looking at the Z-boat as well. It is pretty pricey. I was thinking it would have to generate more work than might be out there to make it profitable.
Then I thought... what if a gator comes up and eats the darn thing while I'm using it!! I wonder if I can get gator insurance!?
Rent an ECHO BOAT?
If the 'pond' is small enough, maybe an ECHO CAT...or rig up a WalMart plastic storage tub and a fiberglass tape...
DDSM:beer: