NI Water is planning to use an unmanned waterborne vehicle to carry out underwater inspections of reservoirs.
Measuring 1200mm long, the boat drone can be easily transported and lifted by one operator.
Using GPS guidance, it navigates a predefined grid pattern across the reservoir surface taking a depth reading every second and logging the coordinates. The data from the survey is then processed to create a 3D model of the reservoir bottom and from this, an accurate volume of the reservoir can be calculated.
Derek Patterson, Asset Delivery commented:
“Although we were using historical data to calculate the volume of a reservoir, we were searching for a more accurate way to do this and to determine the structural state of the reservoir without the need to drain it.
“With this information we know the exact volume of water remaining in a reservoir at any given depth which aids in our water management strategy.”
NI Water also has an airborne drone, the Skyhero, at its disposal which is used for aerial surveys, 360 degree pictures, 3D terrain modelling, thermal surveys and sea outfall inspection.


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