
Geophysical surveys play a vital role in the early stages of development and infrastructure projects. They serve as critical investigation tools prior to the commencement of major engineering, marine construction, or energy exploration works.
Side scan sonar—also known as side-imaging or side-looking sonar—is typically towed behind a survey vessel. It captures high-resolution, near-photographic images of the seabed across hundreds of meters on each side, enabling rapid and accurate mapping of large underwater areas.
Applications:
Seabed characterization
Debris detection
Wreck and pipeline location
Port and harbor planning
Seismic methods are the most widely used geophysical tools in geological and engineering surveys. They provide detailed imaging of subsurface layers by analyzing how seismic waves reflect and refract through the ground.
Applications:
Oil & gas exploration
Mineral surveys
Fault mapping
Foundation and subsurface modeling
Magnetometers detect variations in the Earth’s magnetic field, identifying buried ferrous objects of all sizes. These surveys are essential in marine and archaeological investigations.
Detectable Objects:
Anchors, chains, and pipelines
Ballast stones, shipwreck debris
Munitions, engines, aircraft parts
ROVs are tethered, mobile underwater robots used for detailed visual inspection and sensor-based surveys.
Class I: Observation only
Class II: Observation with payload (e.g., sonar, cameras)
Applications:
Pipeline and cable surveys
Jacket and subsea structure inspections
Hull inspections of vessels
Method | Primary Purpose |
---|---|
Electrical Resistivity | Void, groundwater, and contamination detection |
Electromagnetic (EM) | Subsurface conductivity mapping |
Gravity | Mapping large geological features and density anomalies |
Magnetotelluric (MT) | Deep subsurface and geothermal exploration |
Geophysical services are tailored for a wide range of engineering and marine applications, including:
Land Reclamation & Coastal Engineering:
Sand/Cap Rock surveys for beach replenishment
Port & Harbor Development:
Feasibility studies for ports, power plants, desalination facilities
Dredging Support:
Pre- and post-dredging/channel access surveys
Marine Infrastructure:
Seabed and pre-engineering surveys for pipelines, bridges, and jetties
Offshore Energy:
Pre-lay, pre-construction, and anchor clearance surveys
Salvage & Debris Recovery:
Surveys to locate lost subsea assets such as anchors, cutter heads, chains, pipelines, and shipwrecks