What sonar do you use and when?

Multibeam (MBES) for full-coverage, high-resolution mapping; singlebeam (SBES) for targeted lines and very shallow or constrained areas. Both integrate with GNSS/IMU and sound-velocity systems.

How do you handle tides and water level?

We apply tide gauge data, RTK water-level corrections, or approved models to reference depths to the project or chart datum, documented in the survey report.

Bathymetric Surveying Alberta | Hydrographic Surveys

Bathymetric river surveying with USV in Alberta

Combined bathymetric and LiDAR data for Alberta pond or reservoir

Bathymetric survey boat and USV equipment

Overview

We perform survey-grade hydrographic/bathymetric mapping with a single-beam echo sounder (SBES) on an unmanned surface vessel (USV), safely capturing reliable depths in rivers, canals, reservoirs, storm ponds, harbours, and around bridges and intakes. The USV keeps crews off the water, works close to edges with minimal wake, and launches from tight access points-ideal for busy worksites and sensitive habitats. Where conditions allow, the system maps to 200 m depth and can be combined with aerial/terrestrial LiDAR to produce a seamless topo-bathymetric surface. Deliverables include clean soundings, bathymetric terrain and contours, and cross-sections packaged for CAD/GIS to support engineering, dredging, and asset management.

Depth Accuracy

±0.01 m*

Horizontal Accuracy

±2–5 cm*

Resolution

0.01 m

Depth Range

0.15–200 m

*Depends on environment, sound-velocity stability, and control quality.

Why Choose Convex Geomatics for Bathymetric Surveys in Alberta

Calgary-based team with deep local knowledge of Alberta waterways and regulations
USV technology for safer, faster, and more environmentally friendly surveys
Seamless integration with our UAV LiDAR and topographic surveying services
Engineering-grade deliverables tailored for consultants, municipalities, and energy clients
Proven workflows with full QA/QC documentation and vertical datum control

Deliverables

Core Outputs

Soundings (XYZ/CSV) with QA codes
Bathymetric DTM/DSM (GeoTIFF) with hillshade
Contours (0.25–1.0 m)

Engineering Products

Cross-sections, profiles, alignment sheets
Scour & siltation/volume change assessments
Shoreline & structure mapping (bridges, intakes, outfalls)

Workflow

Planning & permits, safety, datum/level strategy
Calibration: patch test, bar-check, latency/motion checks
Acquisition: SBES lines, overlaps, shoreline tie-ins
Corrections: tide/RTK water-level, SVP/refraction, heave
Cleaning: automated filters & manual QA
Gridding & modeling: DTMs, contours, sections
QA/QC & reporting: check lines, statistics, coverage
Delivery: CAD/GIS packages & documentation

Technology

Sonar & Sensors

Singlebeam echosounder (SBES)
IMU for heave, pitch, roll, yaw

Positioning

RTK/PPK GNSS with local control
RTK level corrections
Chart/project vertical datums

FAQ

What sonar do you use?

We use a single-beam echo sounder (SBES) - mounted on a USV

Can you combine bathymetric and LiDAR surveys?

Yes - we routinely fuse single-beam echo sounder (SBES) data from our USV/boat with UAV/airborne/terrestrial LiDAR of banks, structures, and floodplains. Everything is tied to the same control and vertical datum; we apply a clean shoreline seam and hydro-flattening to deliver a seamless topo-bathymetric surface with contours, cross-sections, and CAD/GIS files - ideal for bridges, channels, reservoirs, and coastal assets.

What deliverables do you provide?

Single-beam soundings, profile-derived bathy DTM/contours, cross-sections, scour/siltation assessments, and CAD/GIS packages (DWG/DXF, GeoTIFF, SHP/GDB, PDF maps)

Ready to discuss your bathymetric survey project?

Request a Quote