Data and interpretation

Marine Geoscience

We design the survey around the decision it has to support, write the specification the contractor has to meet, and verify that the delivered data actually meets it.

Multibeam bathymetry, shaded relief — Fig. 02 — Multibeam terrain model, shaded relief, 2 m contours. Palaeo-channel, sand-wave field and exposed boulders: three separate constraints on cable routing. Illustrative dataset.

What it covers

From defining the objective of the survey through to integrated interpretation, at the level of detail the project phase requires.

01Survey planningObjective definition, technique selection, acquisition geometry, line spacing, operational windows and metocean constraints. A realistic estimate of duration and cost.
02Technical specificationsScope of work and performance requirements: positioning accuracy, resolution, coverage, acceptance criteria, delivery formats. Aligned to the applicable industry standards (e.g. IHO S-44 for bathymetry).
03Data review and QCIndependent check of completeness, quality and consistency: navigation and positioning, calibrations, artefacts, tie-lines, compliance with contractual tolerances.
04Data processingProcessing of bathymetric, sonar and seismic data: positioning and tidal corrections, artefact removal, filtering and gain, production of the deliverable grids and volumes. Including reprocessing of legacy datasets when the original result doesn't convince.
05InterpretationSeabed morphology, sub-surface units and horizons, correlation with geotechnical data, identification of geohazards and potential contacts of interest.
06Integration and deliveryTerrain models, result charts, a ground model agreed with designers and geotechnical engineers, in formats usable downstream.

Techniques and data

What we work with

Bathymetry

Multibeam and single-beam echosounder, calibrations, tidal corrections, digital seabed models.

Side scan sonar

Backscatter mosaics, seabed classification, detection of targets and obstructions.

Sub-bottom profiler

Shallow stratigraphy, sediment thickness, reflecting horizons, penetration and resolution.

UHRS and 2D seismic

Ultra-high resolution surveys for foundation design and integrated geotechnical assessment.

Magnetometry

Magnetic anomalies, support to UXO campaigns and detection of buried infrastructure.

Positioning and navigation

Positioning and USBL systems, reference frames and projections, navigation data in industry-standard formats (e.g. P1/90, P6).

When clients call us

Typical triggers

→“We don't know if this survey is enough”Before going to tender, to check whether the proposed scope really supports the design decision that follows.
→“The contractor says the data is compliant”You need an independent technical judgement before accepting delivery and releasing payment.
→“We have legacy data — can we reuse it?”Assessment of existing datasets and definition of the gap still to be filled.
→“There are anomalies nobody can explain”Targeted review, selective reprocessing and reinterpretation of the critical areas.