Desktop Geological Studies
Desktop Studies are an extremely cost-effective risk reduction tool, providing an initial, yet comprehensive, analysis of the likely operating environment to enable a clear focus to be had on the equipment and resources required to operate efficiently and provide the end-user accurate information.
Geological desktop studies are the compilation and analysis of all existing relevant data sets and are generally used to identify preliminary operational areas, assess feasibility routes for civil engineering works and design proposals whilst aiding survey planning prior to survey deployment and on-site field works.
They are proven to reduce costs and improve the overall efficiency of a project by providing a clearer understanding of likely challenges to be encountered and identifying potential problem areas that may have otherwise not have been known prior to mobilisation.
Relevant information contained in a desktop study often includes bathymetric charts, local geological records, details on any environmentally sensitive areas [SSSI], shipwrecks, existing infrastructure, potential hazards, seabed geomorphology, any metocean observations and any client owned data, i.e. previously commissioned reports, environmental and ecological studies.
Working with industry partners with access to a large GIS database, reports can be compiled from an array of proprietary and public domain information. Final deliverables are generally issued in the form of a comprehensive report detailing the sources of data used, any necessary digital data sets and hard copy prints.
Digital information is in the form of the widely used Geographical Information System (GIS) providing data where several layers can be viewed, interrogated and interpreted quickly and efficiently.
