Bathymetry is largely used for measuring ocean and sea depth but there are also many other different applications in lakes, dams, rivers and fresh water basins. Logistic constraints as well as risks and economic issues make bathymetric measurement, especially in fresh water, not a simple task. This, in fact, normally implies the use of a motorised craft of a certain dimension, capable of accommodating the helmsman and at least one operator of the measuring system plus the relevant equipment. Often boats have to be transported to difficult to reach places or have to operate in sites hazardous for humans such as quarry lakes, landslides or contaminated areas. At times they are lonely places, in mountainous or very isolated areas, sometimes not particularly accessible by car and occasionally difficult to reach even on foot. For these and other reasons, including economic reasons, robotic survey platforms are proving a good alternative to manned vessels. Initially developed for military applications, they are now becoming economically effective and relatively popular also in the civil market. Most unmanned survey platforms are water propelled but the Italian company aerRobotix has adopted air fans for their 'CatOne', a new autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel for hydrographical measurement and environmental monitoring.
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