A Single Beam Echosounder (SBES) measures depth directly below the sensor using an individual acoustic beam. A Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) produces multiple acoustic measurements across a wider swath, generating much greater data density. An SBES such as the ECT D052S can therefore be a more compact and cost-effective solution for targeted depth measurements and survey lines, while an MBES is better suited to high-density area-wide seabed mapping.

Yes. JBUAS can discuss demonstrations, system configuration, training and the most appropriate UAV bathymetry solution for your project. Need advice on drone bathymetry?
Contact JBUAS to discuss the Echologger ECT D052S and whether a single-beam or multibeam echosounder is best suited to your water-depth, sediment and bathymetric survey requirements.

Yes. JBUAS can supply the ECT D052S together with a compatible UAV, UgCS SkyHub, mounting equipment, software and associated components to create a complete drone-based bathymetric survey solution.

Yes. Its dual-frequency operation, integrated tilt and temperature sensors, georeferenced data capability and compatibility with hydrographic software make it suitable for professional bathymetric survey applications. The appropriate UAV, positioning system and survey methodology should be selected according to the required accuracy and project specifications.

Yes. One of the advantages of UAV deployment is the ability to collect bathymetric data without putting survey personnel or boats directly into difficult or potentially hazardous environments.

Yes. UAV deployment makes the system particularly useful for rivers and other areas where access by conventional survey boats may be difficult. Potential applications include monitoring river-channel erosion, sediment deposition and changes in water depth.

Yes. Sludge ponds and organic bed deposits are applications for the ECT D052S. The dual-frequency system can provide bathymetric information while also helping identify soft sediment or organic deposits.

The system is compatible with major hydrographic software packages, including HYPACK, HydroMagic and HydroPro.

The system supports several data formats, including: ASCII text profile data 12-bit binary profile data 8-bit compressed binary data NMEA0183 altitude data Simple altimeter data It can also provide full echo data for suitable processing workflows.

Yes. The ECT D052S can connect directly to UgCS SkyHub, providing an integrated UAV bathymetry workflow with sensor data, positioning and flight information.

Yes. The ECT D052S includes an integrated temperature sensor with a resolution of 0.1°C. The speed of sound through water changes with temperature, salinity and pressure. Accurate knowledge of sound velocity can therefore improve the accuracy of bathymetric measurements, particularly for higher-precision hydrographic surveys.

Yes. The echosounder incorporates a dual-axis tilt sensor measuring roll and pitch. Inclination data has a resolution of 0.1°. This provides useful quality-control information during a survey, particularly when the sensor is being towed or deployed from a UAV.

The ECT D052S is a dual-frequency single-beam echosounder that uses acoustic pulses to measure water depth and identify the seabed. Its two frequencies provide flexibility for different water and seabed conditions, including soft sediment and submerged vegetation.

A UAV can survey areas that may be difficult, dangerous or inefficient to access using a conventional survey boat. Drone-based bathymetry can provide rapid measurements across lakes, reservoirs, rivers, flooded areas, quarries and other water bodies. JBUAS states that drone bathymetry can significantly reduce survey time and costs compared with conventional boat or USV approaches.

Yes. The ECT D052S is suitable for manned and unmanned surface vessels, as well as other hydrographic platforms.

The echosounder itself weighs approximately 1.85 kg according to SPH Engineering. The complete airborne solution, including the sensor, SkyHub, altimeter, housing, cables and mounting components, is approximately 2.45 kg. JBUAS gives an indicative ECT D052S solution weight of approximately 2.2 kg, with final payload weight depending on the configuration.

Yes. The ECT D052S is designed for integration with UAV platforms and can form part of a complete drone bathymetry system. JBUAS lists compatibility with the DJI Matrice 300 RTK and Matrice 350 RTK, while SPH Engineering also lists the DJI Matrice 400 RTK and other suitable UAV platforms.

Yes. The dual-frequency configuration can help with surveys involving submerged vegetation and soft sediment – the different acoustic frequencies providing complementary information.

Yes. The ECT D052S is specifically identified as being suitable for sediment measurements. Its lower-frequency 50 kHz channel can provide useful information in soft-bottom environments and help distinguish sediment layers in suitable conditions. It should not, however, be considered a dedicated sub-bottom profiler.

The altimeter range resolution is specified at 1 mm, while water-column resolution is approximately 7.5 mm at 100 kHz sampling.

The ECT D052S has a conical beam width of approximately: 27° at 50 kHz 7° at 200 kHz This provides a wider footprint at 50 kHz and a narrower, more focused beam at 200 kHz.

The specified measurement range is: 50 kHz: 1–200 m 200 kHz: 0.5–200 m Actual performance depends on water conditions, seabed characteristics, acoustic noise and the survey configuration.

The ECT D052S operates at 50 kHz and 200 kHz. The two frequencies can be used either separately or simultaneously, providing additional flexibility for bathymetric surveys.