ABP’s Ports in the North West UK have added value to their survey capabilities by investing in a Carlson Merlin LiDAR scanning system supplied by Swathe Services, the Cornwall-based specialists in hydrographic survey support and support for the global survey industry.

The Carlson Merlin LiDAR scanning system is designed as a mobile unit to integrate with existing hydrographic equipment and can be used on both boats and land vehicles.  Easy to install, the Merlin has a 360-degree field of view and gathers up to 36,000 data points per second out to a range of 250m.  The system can be used for mapping a variety of above water structures including monitoring quays and harbourside buildings or sand banks and eroding cliffs.  All the data is acquired in existing survey software and integrates with current industry standard positioning and orientation systems.

Chris Heppenstall, Hydrographer at Associated British Ports in the North West, said: “We wanted a system that would easily fit in with our existing vessel systems so that we could survey above and below the waterline at the same time.  Prior to purchase we trialled the Merlin a couple of times and  were very impressed with its performance.’

James Williams, Managing Director of Swathe Services, said: “The Merlin is a fantastic addition to their existing multi-beam system which will now allow them to gather valuable information in a single pass, saving money and time.  ABP North West, like other ports around the UK, see this new capability bringing added value to their existing survey services.”

Swathe Services works with the offshore oil and gas, renewables, environmental and coastal industries. The company provides leading-edge survey technology and equipment for sale or hire along with specialist hydrographic personnel, consultancy, training and complete customer support.