What is Hydrographic Surveying?

Hydrographic surveying is the branch of surveying that is associated with the measurement of bodies of water. It is defined as the art of portraying the submarine levels, contours, the features of the sea, rivers, lakes, and gulfs. 

Also Read: What is Geodetic Surveying?

Applications of Hydrographic Surveying

The main objective of hydrographic surveying are:

1. Establishment of mean sea level and observation of tides.
2. Determination of shorelines
3. Measurement of discharge of rivers.
4. Measurement of areas that are subjected to scour or silting. This is also used to ascertain the quantities of dredged material.
5. Making nautical charts for navigation, determination of rocks, sand bars, lights, and buoys.
6. Controlling and planning of engineering projects like tunnels, dams, reservoirs, docks, harbours and bridges.

Watch Video: What is Geodetic Surveying?

Working of Hydrographic Surveying - Sounding

In hydrographic surveying, the surveying is performed to determine the depth of water at a certain point. The measurement of depth below the water surface is called as sounding. Hence, hydrographic survey is associated with sounding.

In sounding, the two important terms necessary are, vertical control and horizontal control. A vertical control is necessary to take the sounding measurement. A horizontal control is necessary to locate the determined sounding ( the point where sounding is taken).

 Also Read:

1. What is Compass Surveying?
2. What is Principle of Surveying?
3. What is Chain Surveying?
4. Reconnaissance Survey and Index Sketch in Chain Surveying
5. Linear Measurements in Surveying