ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) have been around for decades, especially in military use. The advancements in technology have enabled and increased the commercial use of the ROVs. Now different underwater and surface vehicles are surveying seabed and underwater assets all over the world.
The advancing technology facilitates ROV use for different purposes
Both, the surveying equipment, like sonar scanners, as well as the batteries have gotten smaller during the recent development of the technology. This means that ROVs and their payload are more compact and still have more capacity and range. Underwater video and laser scanning systems have developed and are able to deliver super high-quality data. This data can be used in various purposes.
Hydrographic surveys
Vast areas of ocean are still unscanned and hydrographic surveys traditionally require a high amount of workforce. The modern sonar technology can be assembled to form a fleet of USVs (Unmanned Surface Vehicles), which are controlled remotely meaning the hydrographic survey can be performed with a minimal need of man labour.
Offshore surveys
Offshore industry, such as offshore wind or oil & gas, uses complex infrastructure to be inspected in close detail, but often the circumstances for a survey are hazardous due to the rough sea. USVs and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) aid enormously in safety, as the survey personnel is located safely in a distant control station instead of working on the sea.
Port’s structural surveys 
Quick check-ups for the condition of a quay are done cost-efficiently with a ROV. When scanning only smaller areas, it is not necessary to send in divers or to use heavy hydrographic survey vessels . AUV can be equipped with a camera to get a close view of a suspected collision damage, for example.
The benefits of using autonomous survey vehicles
Gathering 3D data with an autonomous vessel, whether it dives or floats, is in above mentioned cases more efficient than using a traditional survey fleet. In addition, using autonomous vessels can increase workplace safety and minimize negative effects to the environment. The increased usage of ROVs in different industries is hence no surprise.
Even though the needed personnel in surveying might less than before, there is still a need to deliver the gathered 3D data to various stakeholders after the survey. Start a demo to see how easily it could be done with a simple online platform!