Electronic Advancements in Hydrographic Surveying

Applications of microelectronics and microcomputers in hydrographic surveying are growing rapidly. High accuracy, on‐site computations, navigation and data logging are made economically available. This paper presents examples of such recent developments as radio‐linked transit, a digital field plotter, and a digital depth sounder. All three of these examples were able to be developed and are produced in the environment of the user, thereby allowing ultimate fit to the needs of the surveyor. The specifications guidelines and applications of systems are given. The paper discusses the character of the growth of such applications as new capability is demonstrated. Economic decisions of lease versus purchase are considered as they relate to risk versus return.