At JSM Group, our commitment to precision and innovation continues to shape the way we approach infrastructure planning. One area where this is especially evident is in our use of bathymetric surveys, a technique that has evolved dramatically over time, transforming from rudimentary depth measurements to high-resolution underwater mapping. Nick Stillwell, a Pre-Construction Supervisor at JSM, explains how we use bathymetric surveys to inform the planning process.
Bathymetric surveying has a surprisingly ancient origin, dating back over 3,000 years to Ancient Egypt, where they relied on manual methods like lead lines and sounding poles, offering limited accuracy and coverage. Today, technologies such as Single Beam Sonar, GNSS, and Total Station workflows allow us to capture detailed spatial data with speed and precision. This evolution has unlocked new possibilities for infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, and flood risk management.
In a recent project, our team conducted a comprehensive bathymetric and topographic survey over two days, with a one-day turnaround on reporting. With the goal to support infrastructure planning with reliable, high-resolution data and by integrating underwater and land-based surveying techniques, we created a seamless model of the land-water interface which is critical for accurate volume calculations and design planning.
The challenges of bathymetric surveying are unique. Water movement, visibility, and access constraints demand careful coordination and technical expertise. Yet, through collaboration and robust workflows, our team delivered full 3D surface models, CAD drawings, and GIS-ready datasets that empower planners and engineers to move forward with confidence.
As infrastructure projects become more complex and climate resilience more urgent, bathymetric surveys are no longer niche, they’re essential. They help us understand submerged environments, assess risks, and design with foresight. At JSM, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, using cutting-edge tools to deliver insights that shape the future of infrastructure.