River Test’s Digital Twin – What’s The Story?

Due to the river Test’s protected status and the sensitivity of chalk streams, careful consideration was required when designing a methodology. Our RPAS was utilised to reduce the impact on the local environment and collect a large dataset providing a dense colourised point cloud of ground levels. This could then be combined with the bathymetry data collected using the Norbit iWBMS Multibeam Sonar System attached to a small aluminium survey vessel, further limiting disturbance to the Test.
The Norbit and survey vessel was unable to access some parts of the reach, therefore a Tri-drone, an unmanned surface vehicle, fitted with a single beam echo sounder was deployed to collect the missing data. Wading was used as a last resort due to this being the most disruptive form of surveying in this sensitive area.
The Test is very popular with fisherman and the survey site was situated on the grounds of a private fishing club. Keeping an open line of communication with stakeholders, Storm was able to gain permission and access onto the fishing grounds. Starting the surveying works as early as possible and approaching any fisherman on site to explain our works ensured all parties were kept happy. All fishermen were engaging, understanding, and were interested in the works we were performing.