Survey support: Teledyne Polaris laser system

Our hydrographic team is preparing to bring new laser survey tech to their regular monitoring and safety of navigation surveys undertaken on the Thames. 

Port hydrographer John Dillon-Leetch commented: “This work aids our official charting and other important information for the mariner to support safe passage and mooring operational planning. Our new high-resolution data capture equipment means that we can provide better bridge and other marine asset surveys, supplying more accurate charting of structures whether to generate safe bridge clearance heights for transits or inspection work. This reduces the time and risk associated with the more traditional methods of diving and at height visual inspections and survey."

The PLA hydrography department acquired the new Teledyne Polaris laser system last year. "It has really increased our capabilities,” John said.

Hydrographic surveyor Imran Eyre tested it out on famous London landmarks, including Tower Bridge and the London Eye. The laser system was fitted on our survey vessel Thame for its use on the Tideway quarterly monitoring survey.

He explained: “This marks the 29th survey we have done for Tideway since late 2013. This was a good opportunity to test it out and showcase what it can do.”