Search Results (4)

In contrast to classic hydrographic cutters, unmanned surface vehicles, due to their size, ease of transport and the equipment installed, enable the performance of quick and cost-effective bottom inspections in various water areas. Thanks to their shallow draught and high manoeuvrability, hydrographic drones are capable of the bathymetric exploration of shallow waters such as harbours, hydrotechnical structures and the areas where classic naval vessels could encounter implementation difficulties. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate, using a selected practical example, the specific ability of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to carry out the urgent and immediate inspection of the bottom of a specific water area. The freedom to move between restricted areas, the ease of transport and the satisfactory quality of the surveys make hydrographic drones ideal tools for projects of this type. The referenced study produced a bathymetric map of a section of the seabed adjacent to the quay at which a Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel is moored and regularly, at its permanent fixed location, actuates its propellers. The effect of its propellers is the local deepening of the bottom in two places. The research showed a local decrease in the depth from 5.5 m to less than 7 m, which may threaten the stability of the quay structure. In addition, it was noted that the washed bottom material had been moved approximately 10 m from the quay, causing shallowing in two places and reducing the depth from 5.5 m to 4.7 m. This study demonstrated that the use of USVs for applications of this type is very effective in terms of the implementation time and is economically justified. Full article

The theory of cartographic projections is a tool which can present the convex surface of the Earth on the plane. Of the many types of maps, thematic maps perform an important function due to the wide possibilities of adapting their content to current needs. The limitation of classic maps is their two-dimensional nature. In the era of rapidly growing methods of mass acquisition of spatial data, the use of flat images is often not enough to reveal the level of complexity of certain objects. In this case, it is necessary to use visualization in three-dimensional space. The motivation to conduct the study was the use of cartographic projections methods, spatial transformations, and the possibilities offered by thematic maps to create thematic three-dimensional map imaging (T3DMI). The authors presented a practical verification of the adopted methodology to create a T3DMI visualization of the marina of the National Sailing Centre of the Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport (Poland). The profiled characteristics of the object were used to emphasize the key elements of its function. The results confirmed the increase in the interpretative capabilities of the T3DMI method, relative to classic two-dimensional maps. Additionally, the study suggested future research directions of the presented solution. Full article

Apart from extensive infrastructure protection, modern yacht ports should primarily provide vessels with navigational safety associated with their maneuvering on the approach fairway, as well as mooring in the port aquatory. For this reason, yachts entering the harbor should have up-to-date, accurate, and reliable charts of the port and its surroundings. This article presents hydrographic surveys conducted in the National Sailing Centre (NSC) yacht port at the Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport (GUPES), whose aim was to define and develop unique bathymetric and navigational charts of the harbor and the approach fairway. These can be used for example to manage berths in the marina or inform about the depths in the yacht port and on the approach fairway. The chart of the NSC-GUPES and its approach fairway is Poland’s first cartographic image of a harbor, performed entirely on the basis of surveys conducted by an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). The study results demonstrated that the use of a small-sized USV in bathymetric measurements of yacht ports and marinas was significantly more effective than the traditional (manned) hydrographic surveys. Such vessels allow measurements to be carried out in hard-to-reach locations, even between mooring vessels, and in the immediate vicinity of quays. Thanks to the implemented automatic mode of steering on sounding profiles, USVs are equally efficient and capable of carrying out hydrographic surveys on a larger waterbody, i.e., the approach fairway. Full article

The use of geodetic and hydrographic systems, methods and measuring devices to obtain geospatial data enables integrated modeling of 3D space and related objects. Factors such as the seafloor relief of the marina and land infrastructure need to be considered to ensure safe stay of vessels in the marina. The article presents the results of bathymetric and geodetic measurements of the yacht port of the National Sailing Centre in Gdańsk. They were made with the use of several measuring methods such as a hydrographic unmanned surface vessel, GNSS positioning, enabling geodetic inventory of hydrotechnical structures and port infrastructure, as well as laser scanning that resulted in three-dimensional presentation of land objects. As a result of research and analysis, a two-dimensional bathymetric chart of the yacht port was made. Thanks to the integration of geodetic and hydrographic data, three-dimensional visualization of the marina area was obtained. The charts can be used to ensure ship navigation safety when maneuvering in port and mooring at quays. Full article