University of Canterbury

Multibeam sonar survey system

University of Canterbury is planning to purchase a multibeam sonar survey system. A range of researchers at UC will make use of this capability, and as such, the equipment will facilitate numerous new research projects and streams.
Waterways Centre use the Bathymetric lidar, purchased in 2021 to measure geomorphological change in water bodies, around New Zealand. The team is inundated with requests for lidar data, as it hasn’t previously been available. Over the last two years, it has become clear that while the bathymetric lidar is widely functional there are water bodies in which it does not perform well.
This leaves a gap in our ability to measure areas in rivers/coasts/lakes that may have lower water quality and clarity. The seamless collection/integration of topography and bathymetry sets allows us to view the landscape as a single entity. This is particularly important to help understand the morphological change as a result of climate change and extreme events.

Department/Business Unit: Planning, Finance & ITS