An Airborne Lidar Bathymetry survey is not inexpensive, but given its operational efficiency in shallow water environments, it can often provide a much more cost-effective solution than traditional acoustic surveying. The percentage savings is not constant, however, and is a function of many different factors, including: the size of the survey area, the shape of the survey area, coverage and sounding density requirements and the survey schedule (weather conditions and water clarity).

All of these factors have a significant impact on the time that it takes to conduct an Airborne Lidar Bathymetry survey, which of course has an impact on costs. While the day rate costs of an Airborne Lidar Bathymetry survey are well known and relatively fixed, consideration of the above factors is necessary in order to accurately assess the production rate and thus the number of days required to complete a particular survey. Given these complexities, the best way to develop costs, even budgetary, for a particular survey is to layout the survey lines and plan a mission. Fugro would be pleased to review your project requirements and develop budgetary costs for your area of interest. Please contact Fugro Pelagos or your local Fugro operating company for pricing information.