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Discharge Bathymetry Current Profiling

RiverSurveyor® S5 and M9

RiverSurveyor S5 and M9

The RiverSurveyor®, S5/M9 systems give a new perspective to the notion of measuring open channel hydraulics. Using SonTek’s exclusive SmartPulseHD™, multiple acoustic frequencies are fused with precise bandwidth control for the most robust and continuous shallow-to-deep discharge measurements ever. A deterministic microcontroller expertly apportions the proper acoustics, pulse scheme, and cell size to get the highest definition possible so you can focus on the measurement, not the instrument setup. The system even has a vertical beam for precise channel definition and it's all designed to work intuitively.RiverSurveyor Brochure (1MB) [PDF]

Primary Applications

• Moving Vessel Discharge

• Wading Discharge Measurements

• Irrigation Canals/Natural Streams/Rivers

• Velocity Indexing

• Flood Alert

• Water Supply

• Pollution Monitoring

• Tide Studies

• Flow/Current Field

RiverSurveyor App Note [PDF]

Features Benefits
Multi-Band* (Multiple acoustic frequencies) Balances the highest resolution with the greatest range of depths
Vertical acoustic beam* Superior channel definition, extends the maximum measurable discharge depth
SmartPulseHD™* An intelligent algorithm that looks at water depth, velocity and turbulence, and then acoustically adapts to those conditions using pulse-coherent, broadband, and incoherent techniques. High-def cell sizes down to 2 cm.
Microprocessor computed discharge and secure data* All discharge computations are done within the S5 or M9 unit internally (not in the computer!) – No lost data from communications drop outs
Standard 360º compass and two-axis tilt sensor Compensates for vessel motion due to surface conditions.
Reverberation control with ping rates to 70Hz High ping rates ensure extremely robust data collection.
Bottom-tracking High precision vessel tracking and depth measurement without GPS requirement.
RTK GPS (optional) Ultra precise earth-referenced positioning as an alternative to bottom tracking in moving bed or other difficult situations.

* Patents Pending

 

S5 M9
Velocity Measurement
Profiling Range (Distance) 0.06 to 5m 0.06 to 40m
Profiling Range (Velocity) ±20 m/s ±20 m/s
Accuracy ±0.25% of measured velocity ±0.25% of measured velocity
Resolution 0.001 m/s 0.001 m/s
Number of Cells Up to 128 Up to 128
Cell Size 0.02 to 0.5m 0.02 to 4m
Transducer Configuration Five (5) Transducers
4-beam 3.0 MHz
Janus at 25° Slant Angle
1.0 MHz Vertical Beam
Nine (9) Transducers
Dual 4-beam 3.0 MHz/1.0 MHz
Janus at 25° Slant Angle
0.5 MHz Vertical Beam
Depth Measurement
Range 0.20 to 15 m 0.20 to 80m
Accuracy 1% 1%
Resolution 0.001 m 0.001 m
Discharge Measurement
Range with Bottom-Track 0.3 to 5m 0.3 to 40m
Range with RTK GPS 0.3 to 15 m 0.3 to 80 m
Computations Internal Internal

Doppler technology has several inherent advantages that make it the preferred method for current measurement. Combining this with SonTek’s proven ability to develop instruments that are both powerful and easy-to-use, the RiverSurveyor S5 or M9 is the ideal choice for moving boat discharge measurement.

Want to learn more? Download the brochure, read real stories about how our customers use the system in the field, or participate in one of our online training sessions (“Webinars”) at your convenience!

Brochures
RiverSurveyor Brochure (1MB)

Customer Stories
Tough Questions Answered During Mississippi Flood
ADPs Deliver Insight: Flooded Darling Catchment
Dam Removal Yields Flow Measurement Challenge

Frequently Asked Questions
RiverSurveyor FAQs

Training
Webinar: Discharge Measurement with the RS S5/M9

Technical Notes
CastAway-CTD and RiverSurveyor Integration

RiverSurveyor Training in Calexico

Use RiverSurveyor LIVE software to enjoy new S5/M9 features unlike those you have ever seen before.  Experience sharp, vivid and high defiition velocity data with SonTek's new SmartPulseHD™ now available for RiverSurveyor S5/M9 systems. RiverSurveyor LIVE! Expanded Description

SmartPulseHD is an intelligent algorithm that looks at water depth, velocity and turbulence, then adapts the acoustic pulse scheme to those conditions. It's uses a variety of cutting edge technology - multi-band acoustics, pulse-coherent, broadband, and incoherent techniques to provide the highest resolution possible. And see the clearest velocity picture possible with cell sizes down to 2 cm.

This software includes language support for English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Catalan, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Turkish, and Hungarian.

  • Load, view, and analyze multiple data sets simultaneously.
  • Collect data and disconnect/ reconnect again. Easily swap between phone and laptop mid-measurement.
  • View multiple data results (bottom-track, GPS-GGA, and GPS-VTG) simultaneously.
  • Quality status/data, statistics, and color coded graphical display for clear feedback in the field.
  • Customizable interface, graphs, and tabular data.
  • Reports, ASCII & MATLAB® export.
Form Object
Video: RiverSurveyor Playlist

Customer Solutions
Field testing the RTK GPS.  Click the 'i' for more info.
Read more about how RTK GPS the was field tested.

John Sloat of SonTek/YSI field tested the RTK capabilities of SonTek’s new RiverSurveyor system as he and colleagues studied floodwater behavior across the river channels and floodplains.

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A picture is worth a thousand words!

Do you have photos you would like to share with your colleagues in the water monitoring field?

 

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videos with SonTek today!

Solutions Showcase

Simple. Sleek. Superior.

Useful options and accessories make the RiverSurveyor a complete, turn-key solution.

Power Communications Module
Hydroboard Floatable Platform

Power Communications

This module supports both the S5 and M9. Features rechargeable battery packs, can be factory-configured with Bluetooth®, spread spectrum radio, Differential GPS, or RTK GPS.

Floatable Platform

The flexible design of the S5 and M9 systems enables use either over the side of a boat, or on a small floating/tetherable platform such as the SonTek Hydroboard or Trimaran.

SonTek RTK GPS
Mobile Operation

SonTek RTK GPS

Easy to use and an incredibly precise, fully integrated position solution that can augment or be an alternative to bottom tracking with moving bottom.

Mobile Operation

RiverSurveyor runs on both PC and mobile phone platforms making system operation simple without any risk of losing data.

Hydrology Oceanography Laboratory
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