SPH – EchoNIMBUS MBES (flexible arm + Bar30 sensor)

3D Bathymetry by Drone (Multibeam)

The EchoNIMBUS-MBES turns a drone into a high-resolution bathymetric survey platform. Unlike single-beam sounders (ECT), it emits 16 simultaneous beams, allowing for:

• A dense coverage of the bottom (3D point cloud)

• Fewer flight lines to cover an area

• A more faithful modelling of the bottoms (banks, slopes, sediments, obstacles)

• A faster and safer alternative to manned boats

Ideal for: reservoirs, rivers, ponds, retention basins, flooded areas, mining waste parks, and hard-to-reach sites.

High-Performance MBES Sensor (Surveyor 240/16)

• Acoustic frequency: 240 kHz

• 16 beams (RX array 16 elements) for better spatial resolution

• Range: 0.5 to 50 m

• Emitted beam width: 4° (along-track) / 80° (cross-track)

• Received beam width: 7° (conventional beamforming)

• Angular resolution: 1°

• Range resolution: 0.5% of the range setting

• Compact and lightweight design optimized for drone operations

Foldable Arm + Bar30 Sensor (Depth/Pressure)

The system is mounted on a foldable arm under the drone, facilitating:

• Transport and deployment

• Sensor stability in the water

• Protection of the drone and the sensor

The Bar30 sensor (depth/pressure) provides an independent depth reference to improve the quality and consistency of measurements.

SkyHub & Real-Time Control

Integrated into the SkyHub (onboard SPH computer), the system allows:

• Automatic and georeferenced data acquisition

• Real-time depth measurements via UgCS Custom Payload Monitor

• Compatibility with UgCS Expert for planning and True Terrain Following

• Automatic recording as soon as the sensor is immersed

Processing and Output Formats

Recommended processing with BeamworX and DroneGIS, with export in:

• CSV

• GeoTIFF

• LAZ (point cloud)

• Other standard GIS formats

Optimal Operating Conditions

• Calm to gently flowing waters

• Stable conditions for better accuracy

• In faster flowing rivers: zig-zag flight pattern recommended

Main Applications

• Bathymetry of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs

• Mining waste parks and industrial basins

• Calculation of sediment volumes and erosion

• Environmental and water engineering projects

• Mapping of flooded areas and infrastructure monitoring

• 1 × Sounder Surveyor 240/16 (EchoNIMBUS-MBES)
• 1 × Onboard computer SkyHub
• 1 × License UgCS EXPERT
• 1 × Software BeamworX (processing and point cloud)
• Power and data cables
• Mounting kit (folding arm included)
• User manual
• Bar30 depth/pressure sensor
• Training included