River Cross-Section Surveying | Survey Operations

River Cross Sections

Survey Operations have been involved in watercourse surveying for over 25 years, initially for the National Rivers Authority, and then for the Environment Agency. Utilising traditional surveying methods of total-station and GPS equipment through to laser scanning, unmanned boats to collect data for cross-section analysis.

With our dedicated watercourse surveying teams and CAD resources, outputs can be provided in all industry-standard formats.

Contact Survey Operations today to enquire about Cross sections.

River Surveys

River cross-section surveys are invaluable for understanding and managing riverine environments effectively. They provide essential data on the shape, depth, and profile of riverbeds, which are crucial for flood risk management, hydraulic modelling, and the design of flood defences.

Survey Operations offers customised solutions tailored to specific project needs, whether for government bodies, environmental agencies, or private sector clients. We ensure that the survey data supports the intended applications, such as infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, or flood defence planning.

River Cross-Section Survey FAQs

What is a River Cross-Section Survey?

A River Cross-Section Survey involves measuring the shape and features of a river channel at specific intervals across its width. This data provides detailed information about the river’s depth, width, and bank structure, which is essential for flood risk management, hydraulic modeling, and designing flood defenses.

Why are River Cross-Section Surveys important?

These surveys are crucial for:

Flood Risk Assessment: Understanding the river’s capacity and identifying areas prone to flooding.
Environmental Monitoring: Assessing changes in the river’s morphology and health over time.

Infrastructure Planning: Designing bridges, culverts, and flood defenses that interact with the river.

What methods are used in conducting River Cross-Section Surveys?

Survey Operations utilizes a range of techniques, including:

Total-Station and GPS Equipment: For precise land-based measurements.
Laser Scanning: To capture detailed 3D representations of the riverbanks and bed.

Unmanned Boats: Equipped with sonar to collect data in deeper or hard-to-reach sections of the river.

River Cross Sections