Primary Applications
RiverSurveyor S5 and M9
Conceived to advance measurement practices, the RiverSurveyor S5 and M9 systems give a whole new perspective to the notion of measuring open channel hydraulics. Multiple acoustic frequencies fused with precise bandwidth control make for the most robust and continuous shallow-to-deep measurements ever. A deterministic microcontroller expertly apportions the proper acoustics, pulse scheme, and cell size 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.
• 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 |
| Multiple acoustic frequencies* | Combines the highest resolution with the greatest range of depths |
| Vertical acoustic beam* | Superior channel definition, extends the maximum measurable discharge depth |
| Automated cell size* | Always uses the optimal resolution for channel depth – no user input required. |
| Automated pulse scheme and frequency hopping* | Automatically adjusts the acoustic Doppler sampling (ping) scheme for channel conditions. User does not need to pre-program unit. |
| 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. |
| Pulse-coherent processing | Maximizes high resolution performance in shallow water. |
| 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!
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Brochures Customer Stories Frequently Asked Questions |
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Exceed your expectations both during and after the measurement with RiverSurveyor Live software, a Windows XP/Vista® compatible package with the latest advancements for open channel hydraulics visualization.
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.
- Automatic profiling set-up. Start collecting data in seconds!
- 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.
RiverSurveyor Live Now Available!
Form Object
Video: RiverSurveyor Playlist
Customer Solutions
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.
A picture is worth a thousand words!
Do you have photos you would like to share with your colleagues in the water monitoring field?
Solutions Showcase
Simple. Sleek. Superior.
Useful options and accessories make the RiverSurveyor a complete, turn-key solution.
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
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.