REVIEW OF SHALLOW WATER 
SURVEY METHODS 
The Beach Erosion Poard is responsible for coordinating the 
research and development and the application of methods of determin- 
ing shallow water hydrography within the Corps of Engineers. As 
one step in filling this assignment a review of shallow water 
survey methods as presently or recently practiced in the civil 
works of the Corps of Engineers was undertaken. The purpose of 
the review is to obtain an overall picture of the survey practice 
and methods now in use by the Corps. 
In order to accomplish the purpose a questionnaire was pre- 
pared by the Board and disseminated to all Districts throughout 
the Corps. The questionnaire provides for the division of a 
~ particular District's work load into comparable classes of survey 
conditions which have been selected on the basis of the technical 
or practical problems involved. The questionnaire also develops 
information as to the methods, techniques, personnel and equip- 
ment used, the number and spacing of soundings and the actual 
cost of the work per square mile. The specific survey conditions 
investigated are: 
a. Slow Rivers (Maximum current velocity less than 3 
feet per second with little or no tidal influence) 
b. Medium Rivers (Maximum current velocity between 3 
and 7 feet per second with little or no tidal influence) 
c. Fast Rivers (Maximum current velocity over 7 feet 
per second with little or no tidal influence) 
d. Slow Tidal Rivers and Inlets (Tidal currents pre- 
- dominate. but are less than 3 feet per second at strength) 
e. Medium Tidal Hivers and Inlets (Tidal currents 
predominate and are between 3 and 7 feet per second at strength) 
f. Fast Tidal Rivers and Inlets (Tidal currents pre- 
dominating and are greater than 7 feet per second at strength) 
g. Calm Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ocean (Waves less than 
one foot high not occurring as breakers) 
h. Active Lakes, Reservoirs and Ocean (Waves between 
one and 3 feet high not occurring as breakers) 
i. Severe Lakes, Reservoirs, and Ocean (Waves 3 feet 
or more in height not occurring as breakers) 
