News releases

Polish Geological Institute purchases MDPS

We are pleased to announce that the Polish Geological Institute has opted for Meridata's MDPS for processing and interpretation of their marine geophysical survey data. The Institute's Marine Geology Branch collects large sets of seismic reflection, sub-bottom profiler and side-scan sonar data, and now joins the tens of users around the Baltic Sea already utilizing MDPS for handling their marine geophysical survey data.

Extensions to rental equipment pool

We have added a new swath bathymetry survey system into our rental equipment pool. The Sonic 2024 multibeam echo sounder from R2Sonic is a system that can be installed even in very small boats of opportunity. This system is available for rental with positioning, motion, attitude and sound velocity sensors, as well as a data acquisition and processing notebook PC.

Also we have recently complemented our selection of side-scan sonars and seismic reflection profilers, adding a DSME 400/900 kHz portable digital side scan system and another C-Boom system from C-Products. 

Meridata appoints representative in India

From 1 April 2009, Meridata has representation in India through SEASONSHIP MANAGEMENT & MARITIME SERVICES (a unit of SEACOM Group of companies).  SEASONSHIP has its head office in Kolkata and branch offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Vizag, Kochi and Port Blair.  Furthermore, the group operates a Marine Engineering / Government-approved Engineering College in Kolkata.

IPT orders a multi-frequency MD DSS system

We are pleased to announce that Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas (IPT) of Sao Paulo, Brazil has recently awarded Meridata a contract for the supply of a multi-mode, multi-frequency system for sub-bottom profiling. The delivery entails an integrated MD DSS sub-bottom profiling system with seismic (boomer/sparker), LF chirp (2-8 kHz) and HF chirp (10-20 kHz) subsystems. Also included is Meridata's MDCS real-time software that allows concurrent acquisition of data from all subsystems, as well as MDPS software for post-processing and interpretation of acquired profiling data.

The new system will accompany IPT in their studies of shallow water areas to provide an integrated multi-frequency view into the bottom and sub-bottom.

New representation in Hong Kong

On February 1, 2009 Meridata has appointed Earth Products China Co. Ltd (EPC) as a representative in Hong Kong, Macau and China.

EPC is a total solution provider established in Hong Kong since 1987. EPC offers a wide range of testing and monitoring instruments for Geotechnical and Geophysical monitoring, Environmental Monitoring etc.

Besides the Hong Kong headquarters, EPC has 11 branch offices in mainland China. They are located in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Chengdu, Xian, Shenyang, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Fuzhou and Jinan. EPC also has an after-sales service engineer in every branch to provide local support.

Stockholm University contracts

We have just been awarded two contracts by Stockholm University's Department of Geology and Geochemistry.

An agreement was signed between the Department and Meridata on the supply and maintenance of multiple licenses of MDPS for processing and interpretation of sub-bottom profiling and side-scan sonar data.  MDPS will be used in the Department's marine geological research projects as well as in their courses covering acoustic methods in marine geology and geophysics.

The Department of Geology and Geochemistry also has placed an order for an MD 500 system.  The system will be used for profiling of lake sediments, for stratigraphic surveys and coring site selection in different lakes.  Its first application will be within the recently launched Asian monsoon project where a research group from the Department will investigate lake sediments in Thailand, Taiwan and India. 

More MD DSS systems in Brazil

Meridata is pleased to report more sales in Latin America, most notably in Brazil, where Hidrotop has taken delivery of a sub-bottom profiling system as well as a suite of Meridata software for seismic reflection data acquisition, processing and interpretation.  Hidrotop, located in Santos, SP, is an engineering company established in 1987, and undertakes hydrographic and shallow seismic surveys in Brazilian ports and waterways.

New survey launch equipped

Meridata has recently completed delivery of an MD 500 combined bathymetry and sediment profiling system for a new survey launch, Profiler, owned and operated by Oy Civil Tech Ab in Finland.

The delivery consisted of equipment and software that enable single-pass surveys yielding both high resolution bathymetry data and bottom sediment structure data.

Equipment rental

Multiple orders

An increasingly busy 2007 at Meridata entails deliveries of systems to all continents.

We have received orders for multiple MD DSS systems from the Far East and Americas, as well as several acquisition systems.  During the past year we also have delivered more stand-alone MDPS licenses than ever before.

MDPS makes inroads in national Geological Surveys

Meridata's MDPS software has recently been chosen by three European Geological Survey organisations for interpretation of hydroacoustic data from their marine geological surveys.

Acquisition and processing for Australia

Meridata has delivered a multi-purpose geophysical acquisition and processing system to Coffey Geosciences Pty Ltd of Sydney, Australia.

Coffey Geosciences operates a variety of marine geophysical equipment ranging from seismic systems to magnetometers. Meridata was contracted to provide an integrated solution for streamlined data acquisition and processing for any combination of these instruments, including facilities for navigation and positioning.

Coffey Geosciences is one of the largest Australian companies in its field, providing services both domestically and internationally in the development of infrastructure, mining, building environmental and natural resource projects using specialised skills in the geosciences and related fields. One speciality of the company's geophysical group is dredgeability assessment - a key area where the new system will be employed.

MD 500 for GTK lake sediment surveys

Meridata has delivered an MD 500 system to the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK).

The new system will be employed at GTK as a portable, sediment-penetrating echosounder for stratigraphic surveys and coring site selection in geological and geoenvironmental applications.

GTK already operates two of Meridata's MD DSS multi-mode sonar systems for integrated marine geological mapping on their vessels, utilizing seismics, chirp, pinger and side scan sonar in concert.

On the right is shown an echogram presentation of lake sediments from SE Finland, presented here with the permission of University of Joensuu.

More MD 300 swath bathymetry for FMA

Meridata has received an order for extending the survey system on the Finnish Maritime Administration survey vessel Merimittari.  The recently awarded contract calls for delivery of a 16-channel MD 300 multi-transducer bathymetry survey system, complete and integrated with the vessel's data acquisition and processing facilities.

The delivery is due for completion in December 2005, and production with the new system is scheduled to start in spring 2006.

Chinese action

Meridata appoints representative in The Netherlands

Beginning 1 May 2005, Meridata will be represented in The Netherlands by Aqua Vision BV, an Utrecht-based company that specialises in hydrographic and oceanographic equipment, as well as related consulting work, software development and hydrodynamic modelling.

Aqua Vision's customers are government, research institutes, districts of water board, dredging companies, offshore and port authorities.

MDPS 4.2 is here

We now are pleased to announce the release of version 4.2 of our MDPS hydrographic data processing software, with several new features and enhancements.

A full suite of integrated processing tools for bathymetric, seismic, sub-bottom profiling and side-scan sonar data, MDPS now handles more survey data types than ever before in a single project.

MDPS 4.2 also offers a further accelerated map interface for very fast visualisation of raster images, and introduces a sophisticated database approach to ancillary environment data (e.g., tidal information and sound velocity profiles) that is common to all survey types.

For information on obtaining a new or additional MDPS 4.2 license or on upgrading from a previous version, contact us via e-mail.

Immediate success for MD 500

Following the spring 2004 release of the MD 500 dual-frequency survey echo sounder, Meridata has at a fast pace secured multiple orders for this new system.

Being a compact and portable system capable of combined high resolution bathymetric and sediment echosounding surveys, MD 500 has immediately generated interest in a vast array of user groups.  The extremely low power consumption, among other features, makes the system unique in the domain of sediment layer profiling equipment.

MD 500 systems have been sold to port authorities, private survey companies and governmental agencies both home and abroad.

MD DSS for China

Meridata is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract for the supply of an MD DSS multi-mode sub-bottom profiling system to a research institute in China.  The delivery, due by November 2004, will entail a complete suite of hardware for pinger and chirp profiling, positioning, data acquisition and processing as well as a package of MD software for survey, post-processing and analysis of data.

Meridata hosts scientists from two conferences

From 24 to 28 August, the Dipoli conference center in Espoo, Finland functioned as the venue for the 9th International Paleolimnology Symposium.  In connection with the Symposium, Meridata arranged field trips for participating scientists from all parts of the world.

Concurrently, the Baltic Sea Science Congress (BSSC) was being held at the Helsinki University premises, and marine scientists from that event were also invited to join demonstrations on board R/V Meridata and at our marine base.

In three demonstration events, participation and discussion were both lively, and we wish to thank all participants for their interest and knowledgeable feedback.

Environmental Administration opts for MD 500

The Environmental Administration makes further additions to its pool of Meridata survey equipment.  The Administration's ongoing program of bathymetric mapping of the Finnish lakes now operates one more Meridata-equipped survey unit.  The new MD 500 system, initially placed at the North Savo Regional Environment Centre, will be used for mapping lakes all over eastern Finland.

Port of Helsinki employs MD DSS

Port of Helsinki, currently planning a new harbour in Vuosaari, located in the eastern part of Helsinki, recently had a multi-mode sub-bottom profiling survey made in the proposed harbour area.  The goal of this undertaking was to help determine geological conditions for the planning of dredging quantities and suitable methods.

The adjacent photograph shows an MD DSS sub-bottom profiler ready for transport, in a portable IP 65 protection rated aluminium case, whose measurements in centimeters are just 44 x 71 x 53.

Waves for VTS

Meridata has been contracted to design, manufacture and deliver a system for wave monitoring in the Gulf of Finland.  A project coordinated by the Finnish Maritime Administration (FMA), involving experts from several organisations is planned to be in full-scale operation by summer 2004.

With the constantly growing number of light passenger vessels travelling to and from Helsinki, and given their sensitivity to rougher sea states, a decision was taken to upgrade Helsinki VTS capability for obtaining and  delivering up-to-date information on wave conditions.

MD DSS for Brazil

Meridata has been contracted to supply an MD DSS multi-mode sonar system to the Institute of Oceanography of the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Being capable of concurrent seismic, chirp and pinger profiling, the Institute's new MD DSS is destined to support research of quaternary sedimentation on the Brazilian continental shelf.  The system is going to be used on board the Institute's research vessel Prof. W. Besnard as well as research boats Veliger II and Albacora.

Meridata delivers the system complete with wet-end components, sonar electronics and positioning, as well as hardware for data acquisition and processing.

MDPS 4.0 released

Meridata has released version 4.0 of MDPS hydrographic data processing software.

The completely renewed package offers an integrated environment for concurrent processing of marine seismic, sub-bottom profiling and bathymetric survey data.

MDPS 4 features a fast map interface, advanced job management and reporting facilities as well as flexible input and output functions. Its other outstanding qualities include point-and-click access to raw acoustic reflection data, sophisticated sonar data editing and interpretation tools, accurate vessel position and attitude computation, and terrain modelling.

More information available here and from info@meridata.fi.

FMA Southwestern commissions another MD 300

The Southwestern Maritime District of the Finnish Maritime Administration (FMA) recently had their second MD 300 system set to work.  Since the late 1990's, the District's survey vessel Merimittari has been conducting integrated bathymetry and sub-bottom profiling surveys using Meridata systems.  The recently completed delivery covered the supply of a complete MD 300 system for another of the District's survey teams, and a new MDPS post-processing software package for use at the fairway planning division's office.

The District will employ the new system in channels in shallow water areas that would not be serviceable by any other means of survey.

The Southwestern Maritime District, headquartered in Turku, administers more than 4000 kilometers of waterways in the Baltic Archipelago Sea.

FEI - expert services in mapping of inland waters

The bathymetric mapping of Finnish lakes - of which there are roughly 100 000, or 200 000, depending on the definition - is an ongoing program being implemented by the Finnish Environment Institute (FEI). Initiated in the 1970's by the Hydrological Office, regional water authorities and the national land survey authorities, the systematic mapping work has in recent years made rapid progress, as FEI has introduced new technologies in data acquisition and processing, as well as in data warehousing solutions.

The most substantial advancements in surveying have occurred as differential GPS positioning, fully digital echo sounder systems and PC-based data acquisition have become available. The most recently delivered bathymetry survey package from Meridata to FEI, integrates GPS positioning and MD 300 echo sounding into a largely automated survey data acquisition system.

Since 1994, FEI has used Meridata's MDPS hydrographic data processing software to pre-process acquired survey data. Further processing of the data, i.e., analysis, reduction and terrain modelling, all aims at making the data available through three principal sources:

Some of the above sources are accessible via the Internet.

Owing to their vast experience in inland water mapping, FEI has all the more frequently been invited to join EU projects and carry out bathymetric surveys in other member states of the Union.

MD 300 now covering Czech waterways

Following the completion of an extensive equipment renewal project, the survey vessel Valentyna II of the company Povodi Vltavy a.s. of Prague, Czech Republic now operates a MD 300 full coverage bathymetry survey system.

Povodi Vltavy a.s. is the organisation in charge of administering water flows in the drainage area of river Vltava.  Also responsible for the major Czech route providing waterway access to other parts of Europe, Povodi Vltavy a.s. was looking for a system to support their operations in this dual role.  The two main tasks of the system will thus be data acquisition for modelling of river characteristics, and providing information needed for navigation.

To meet the above and other requirements imposed upon the system by the vessel Valentyna II's unique operating environment, the system performs bathymetry survey through 48-channel vertical echosounding and on-line sound velocity calibration, and acquisition of vessel position and attitude data as well as real-time water level observations from monitoring stations.

The system also features extensive navigation planning and control facilities via the vessel's optical fibre network, well-proven MDCS real-time quality assurance tools, and the full MDPS post-processing suite that allows final maps to be produced on board within minutes after completion of survey.

MD DSS for R/V Aranda

The Finnish Institute of Marine Research (FIMR) has installed an MD DSS multi-mode sonar system for use on their research vessel Aranda.

The MD DSS system, enabling operation in a broad frequency range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz, is destined to cater for combined bathymetric and high resolution sedimentation studies in FIMR's research and monitoring programs.

FMA Inland Waterways buys MD 300

The Inland Waterways District of the Finnish Maritime Administration (FMA) have recently ordered an MD 300 bathymetry survey system. The District will employ the system in surveys pertinent to planning of new waterways, as well as in control surveys of existing channels and canals.

As part of the FMA, the District is responsible for pilot services and navigation safety of inland waterways, and administers some 6200 km of marked channels and thirty (30) canals.

The MD 300 survey system, complete with post-processing facilities for both field and office use, will be commissioned in June.

GTK orders another MD DSS

The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) has ordered another MD DSS system. The new system, destined to handle all acoustic profiling and related data acquisition aboard R/V Geola, is due for commissioning in early May.

The Marine Geology Unit at GTK is responsible for geological mapping of the Finnish territorial waters. In addition to the ongoing mapping program, the unit actively participates in multi-disciplinary marine research projects with collaborating institutions, and carries out an ever-increasing number of commercial survey projects for private and governmental clients.

The GTK's first MD DSS system, in use on their research vessel Kaita, has also recently been upgraded to handle data acquisition and processing from all of the vessel's acoustic sensors.

Beginning in May, the two vessels shall be identically equipped for shallow seismic, chirp and pinger profiling as well as side scan acquisition.

Lake Saimaa Research elects MD DSS

R/V Muikku, one of the most modernly equipped multi-disciplinary lake research vessels in the world, extends its reach in sedimentary and geological surveys.

Meridata has been contracted to deliver, install and commission an MD DSS multi-mode sonar system in the research vessel. The new system is capable of supporting all on-board research requiring information on bathymetry, recent sedimentation and geology.

In addition to the sonar system hardware, the supply covers MDCS and MDPS software that allow on-board production of finished bathymetric and geological feature maps.

R/V Muikku carries out hydrological, biological, geological and fisheries research. It is also an internationally recognised platform in both training of scientists and development of methods for large inland water systems research. The vessel mainly operates in the waters of the Lake Saimaa, but, owing to its versatility, has all the more frequently undertaken environmental research and monitoring projects in, e.g., the Gulf of Finland.

The research vessel is managed and operated jointly by Lake Saimaa Research at the University of Joensuu, Finnish Environment Institute and South Savo Regional Environment Centre.

MD DSS for Sweden

University of Stockholm, Department of Geology and Geochemistry recently placed an order for an MD DSS multi-mode sonar system. The system will serve the Department's marine geological surveys and has the ability to do single channel seismics as well as active chirp sounding and echo sounding.

Being fully configurable to output via most any transducer, the system will face a variety of tasks in the frequency range from below 100 Hz to beyond 30 kHz.

The delivery also entails MDCS survey software for data acquisition, multi-user licenses for off-line signal processing, and MDPS post-processing software for compilation of georeferenced soundings and interpretation of the acoustic reflection profiles.

MD 300 for China

Meridata has been awarded a contract for the supply of a complete MD 300 hydrographic survey system for the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology in China.

The new system, due for delivery in November, complements an already impressive base of MD 300s that several organisations have been using for bathymetric mapping in the Chinese inland waters since 1995.

MD 300 for Port of Helsinki

Meridata secured yet another contract from a domestic survey operator, as the survey division at the Port of Helsinki opted for the MD 300 bathymetry survey system for use on their two survey vessels, Kielo and Kaiku.

Port of Helsinki is the largest general cargo harbour in Finland, with cargo traffic of approximately 12 million tons, and 9 million passengers carried. The port continues to enjoy a steady growth of its operations, with a new harbour, Vuosaari, being designated for cargo traffic.

Besides work pertaining to new areas, the survey division carries out systematic charting of existing basins and approaches. The division also maintains a digital database on all channels and harbour areas.

Full MD Suite for Finnish Maritime Administration's Southwestern Maritime District

Following a successful bid for furnishing the survey vessel Merilla for Finnish Maritime Administration (FMA) Gulf of Finland Maritime District, Meridata has also been contracted to supply a fully integrated hydrographic survey system for FMA Southwestern Maritime District's survey vessel Merimittari.

The scope of supply comprises an MD 300 bathymetry survey echo sounder, an MD DSS sub-bottom profiling sonar, computer systems, and integration with the vessel's existing position, attitude and bar sweep survey sensors.

Survey system software includes facilities for survey planning, navigation support, all-digital and fully automated data acquisition, and data processing.

Merimittari's duties include bathymetric and geotechnical surveys in planning and construction of navigational channels in Finnish coastal waters.

Built in 1987, the vessel now commissions its third generation of survey systems with enhanced and extended capabilities, and continues to be the only Finnish survey vessel capable of totally automated bar sweep surveys.

FMA orders MD DSS

Meridata has been awarded a contract for supplying an MD DSS system to Finnish Maritime Administration. The system will be installed in FMA Gulf of Finland Maritime District's newest survey vessel Merilla.

The contract entails integration of MD DSS with Merilla's existing MD 300 full coverage bathymetry survey system. This addition provides the vessel with capabilities for multi-faceted single-pass surveys of coastal waterways.