In
1983, EUROSENSE started the development of a hydrographic survey-platform
called “BEASAC”. The goal of this development was to create a survey tool for
fast and accurate monitoring of beaches and near-shore areas. The BEASAC
platform is also used for monitoring the actual depth of shipping lanes or
approach channels to harbors. The BEASAC technology has evolved over the years.
BEASAC is an acronym for “Belfotop Eurosense Acoustic Sounding Air Cushion”.
Since
the original concept, several hovercrafts were used or are still in use. The
first BEASAC is an air propeller driven hovercraft, converted for bathymetric
surveys. The main advantage of BEASAC is the high survey speed (> 20 knots)
and this in combination with the amphibious capabilities.
Since
the early 1980’s, EUROSENSE has been monitoring the Belgian coastal area almost
on a continuous basis for the Flemish Ministry of Public Works. During the
years, EUROSENSE further improved the BEASAC-technique and is at the moment
operating BEASAC IV and BEASAC VI. BEASAC is still the fastest and most
accurate survey-platform for morphological surveys in very shallow waters.
EUROSENSE
is conducting all kind of surveys on rivers and canals. During the past few
years, EUROSENSE has performed bathymetric surveys, geophysical and
geotechnical surveys using single beam and multibeam systems, Side scan sonars,
vibrocore systems etc. Bathymetric and geophysical surveys are performed with
“EB2”, a small but fast survey vessel.
The BEASAC I Hovercraft
The BEASAC III Hovercraft
The BEASAC IV Hovercraft
The BEASAC VI Catamaran Survey Vessel
The 'EB2' Inland Survey Vessel