Beach Surveying
Beach and nearshore surveys are conducted using RTK-GPS technology driven by Hypack software on a laptop computer (in weather resistant case) or TDS software on a waterproof handheld computer (TDS Recon).  Surveys require setting up a base station unit (a) on a reference point that communicates with a roving unit (b).  Each unit receives satellite data and the base station unit communicates its location via UHF radio to the roving unit, providing centimeter horizontal and vertical resolution.  Data points are collected on foot from setback line out to wading depth and by ATV.  Base station unit instrumentation includes:

1. Positioning Data Link – 35W amplifier
2. GPS Receiver
3. UHF Antenna
4. GPS Antenna

Roving unit instrumentation for beach surveys include:

1. Positioning Data Link with UHF Antenna
2. GPS Antenna
3. GPS Receiver (in backpack)
4. Laptop computer (in water resistant case)

Marine Surveying
Nearshore single-beam surveys are conducted aboard the R/V Ariel, an 18’ Otech Rigid Hull Inflatable (c).  Water column salinity and temperature measurements are recorded with a Marimatech CTD Sound Velocity Profiler.  Boat instrumentation includes:

1. Heave-Pitch-Roll – TSS Dynamic Motion Sensor (mounted in water tight container under seat)
2. GPS Antenna
3. UHF Modem Antenna
4. LCD Marine Display
5. Instrumentation Box (weather resistant)
1. Laptop computer controlled remotely from display and remote mouse.  Instrumentation integrated and controlled using Hypack software.
2. Single Beam Fathometer
3. GPS Receiver
4. Power inverter

(a)  Base station set-up on a hotel in North Myrtle Beach.
(b)  Jeff conducting the wading portion of a beach profile at Daufuskie Island.  Components of the roving unit are listed.
(c)  Boat set-up for nearshore single beam surveying

Click on an image above to see instrument details.