Helping Clients Reduce Risk with Better Geospatial Data
April opened Storm’s conference season with an invitation to the Environment Agency Supplier Conference in Birmingham, where the focus was clear: data only delivers value when it’s used collaboratively. Hearing directly from senior EA leaders on the direction of the upcoming FCERM framework reinforced that high‑quality geospatial survey data underpins successful project delivery from the very start.
These events offer the opportunity to spend time face‑to‑face with clients. These conversations matter. They help Storm better understand how specialist survey expertise can support smarter decisions, reduce risk, and ultimately help projects run more efficiently and profitably.
That same week, Mike Hopkins attended the River Restoration Conference in Newport, continuing the conversation around data, environment and long‑term river resilience. Events like these are a valuable reminder that geospatial surveying is not a product that is price led; it is a service providing critical data that underpins everything that follows.
Mike took away some data-based facts detailed in the image below. Which one resonates the most with you?
Also in April, Storm attended The Survey Association AGM at The Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. This was a benchmark day for the Geospatial Community with the launch of the Unity Charter. This is a national awareness campaign of the Geospatial Profession using one collective voice to inform both the built & natural environment stakeholders as to the vital role of survey. Through Storm’s collaborative approach with clients this message is now gaining momentum.
Delivering More on the Isle of Man
Following work in March, Storm teams returned to the Isle of Man to extend a multi-reach channel survey across a wider area.
Surveyors Caitlin Tonge and Harry Sampson delivered the additional scope ahead of schedule, demonstrating the efficiency of well‑planned fieldwork and robust data capture methods, even in challenging environments. The weather certainly being one of those with rain and wind testing the team throughout the time on the island. With reaches stretching into many farms on the north of the island, this required organisation to gain access from landowners. All of which were accommodating. One of the reaches posed an unusual channel where, in the middle, the flow split in different directions. This happened because an incoming pipe pushed water in one direction, while an incoming channel pushed it in the other. Some sections led into Curraghs Wildlife Park, where wallabies can often be seen, although sadly, none were spotted this time.
Due to limited signal, surveyors set up a base each day in certain locations. The bases needed to be within 5 kilometres to remain effective, which meant moving them several times so surveying could continue.
Investing in Safety Training
April also saw a strong focus on training and safety, ensuring survey teams continue to operate to the highest standards in and around water.
Training completed this month included:
- RYA First Aid
- DEFRA Module 1: Water & Flood Awareness
- DEFRA Module 2: Water & Flood First Responder
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
Storm Geomatics are proud to have worked with Bristol Maritime Academy for over 12 years , a trusted partner supplier, helping maintain the capability and confidence of the surveyors.
Advancing River Intelligence with River Digital Twin®
The River Digital Twin® (RDT®) article series continued in April, with a focus on Stage 3: Live Environmental Sensor River Digital Twin® bringing real‑time data into decision‑making.
This stage enables stakeholders to understand what is happening in a river system right now, supporting faster, more informed responses.
To recap on all the series articles please do have a read:
1. High-Resolution Point Cloud River Digital Twin®- Redefining River Intelligence
2. DTM River Digital Twin® – Elevating River Intelligence
3. Live Environment Sensor River Digital Twin®– Mobilising River Intelligence
A strong example of this in action is Halford Flood Meadow case study, where real‑time monitoring has helped inform solutions that support both flood resilience and habitat restoration.
Look out for our next article, Stage 4: Near‑Real‑Time Operational River Digital Twin®, where all elements combine into a fully interactive model, enabling clients to visualise both current conditions and future scenarios with confidence.
Final Thought
At Storm, the same principle is reinforced across every project and conversation:
The earlier the right survey expertise and data is brought in, the stronger the outcome.
Finishing the financial year in an unprecedented position, the last word this month goes to Managing Director Mike Hopkins
“Our company has grown from a two person operation 20 years ago into a very strong “water” focussed mid-sized geospatial surveying company. I am proud of the way we have expanded and I believe that specialising in a sector and being able to understand and deliver to our clients intricate needs has been at the centre of our success.”