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Fugro’s airborne tech surveying after New Zealand earthquake

December 8, 2016  - By

Fugro’s laser airborne depth sounder (LADS) technology is being deployed in New Zealand to assist in relief efforts following the damaging 7.9 magnitude earthquake near Christchurch on Nov. 14.

At the request of the New Zealand Government, the Royal Australian Navy LADS flight is to conduct a rapid hydrographic survey of the seafloor in the coastal margins of the north east coast of the South Island.

“We will fly over the area and collect hydrographic survey data, which will reveal what has happened below the waterline, and identify any shifts in the ocean floor which mariners need to be aware of,” explained Flight Lieutenant Commander Susanna Hung, who is serving as the mission’s commanding officer.

The navy’s airborne lidar bathymetry (ALB) system has been developed by Fugro for safe, high speed and cost effective surveys of shallow coastal areas. Under a long-term contract to the RAN, Fugro provides the LADS technology, a de Havilland Dash 8-202 aircraft and support services.

Fugro's LADS technology is being deployed following the Nov. 14 New Zealand earthquake.

Fugro’s LADS technology is being deployed following the Nov. 14 New Zealand earthquake.

The airborne survey equipment is operated by navy personnel from the main cabin of the aircraft to rapidly collect high resolution data of the seafloor. Fugro’s system incorporates sophisticated sensors that utilize a high-powered laser, innovative scanner and receiver optics technology.

The survey tool complements traditional hydrographic survey methods (such as hull-mounted multibeam echo sounders) to support nautical charting and coastal zone management applications in the nearshore/shallow water environment. The speed of deployment and safe operating capability make it an ideal solution to confirm the safety of navigation and locate new hazards such as is now required in the earthquake affected area.

“The New Zealand deployment by RAN LADS is an excellent example of how our innovative technology can assist in the safety of navigation and management of the marine environment,” said Paul Seaton, Fugro’s regional business development manager.