At Sunrise Engineering, innovation drives how we serve our clients. One of our newest capabilities, bathymetric surveying, allows us to measure and map the underwater topography of lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and ponds with accuracy and efficiency.
What is Bathymetric Surveying?
Bathymetric surveying is essentially the underwater equivalent of topographic mapping. Just as surveyors create bare earth models of land surfaces, this process generates a digital model of what lies beneath the water’s surface. The result is a clear picture of the lakebed or riverbed, as if the water were drained away.
How It Works
Using a remote-control survey boat equipped with a survey-grade GPS rover and a vertical sonar sounder, Sunrise crews collect depth measurements point by point, often multiple times per second. The GPS provides precise horizontal positioning while the sonar measures depth. The data is automatically coded and processed into a seamless bare-earth model in CAD.
The boat can be operated manually or programmed to follow a predefined grid, ensuring complete coverage. This compact system is cost-effective and easy to transport, fitting in the back of a survey truck, yet it delivers professional-grade results.
Applications Across Industries
Bathymetric surveying supports a wide range of industries and project types, including municipal utilities, mining, railroads, and environmental studies. Clients use this data to:
• Extend topographic mapping below water for design projects
• Verify reservoir capacity for compliance with regulations or policies
• Monitor sediment buildup around dams, abutments, and other structures
• Support environmental monitoring and studies
Advantages for Clients
Compared to older, more labor-intensive methods that required two people in a manned boat, Sunrise’s system delivers faster and more accurate results with fewer personnel. This translates to cost savings, efficiency, and improved decision-making for project planning.
By combining bathymetric data with traditional topographic surveys, LiDAR, and aerial photography, Sunrise provides clients with comprehensive site models that support better designs and long-term solutions.
Safety First
Safety is always a priority. Crews carefully monitor weather conditions, identify potential hazards, and often conduct detailed risk assessments before launching a survey. In some cases, preparation can take longer than the actual collection. This ensures that every project is conducted in a responsible manner.
Looking Ahead
Sunrise has already applied bathymetric surveying in Utah, Nevada, and Texas, with projects ranging from reservoir studies to private landowner requests. As demand grows, this service helps clients address complex challenges with confidence.
“Bathymetric Surveying is something we used to outsource or rent,” said the team. “Now we can offer it directly, which not only broadens our capabilities but also strengthens our role as a trusted partner to our clients.”
By bringing this advanced technology in-house, Sunrise Engineering continues to explore new depths in serving communities and industries throughout the region.