Bathymetric Survey in Northern Hudson’s Bay

High-Resolution Mapping Completed in Northern Hudson’s Bay

Mapping the ocean floor takes grit, skill, and a team that refuses to back down from tough conditions. This summer, our hydrographic survey crew spent more than 40 days aboard the Fundy Legend completing a high-resolution bathymetric survey in the remote northern reaches of Hudson’s Bay.

Our Sub-Arctic team overcame cold winds, tight vessel space, and demanding equipment logistics to deliver detailed seafloor data that will support navigation and future scientific research in one of Canada’s most rugged marine environments.

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Advanced Technology Drives Reliable Mapping

Northern work is unforgiving, and the technology needs to match the challenge. The team relied on a Kongsberg EM-2040 multibeam sonar system, paired with frequent Sound Velocity Profiles collected using a Valeport probe. Continuous data monitoring and early-stage quality checks were carried out in CARIS HIPS and SIPS, keeping the dataset clean and dependable from day one.

    Hudsons Bay, Northern Mapping, Hydrographic Survey, Bathymetry, Multibeam Sonar

Technical Calibration and Setup

Before operations began, the hydrographic system went through a full calibration sequence. This included a patch test, critical for confirming pitch, roll, and yaw offsets and ensuring the sonar performed accurately in the ever-changing conditions of Hudson’s Bay.

The team operated with both hull-mounted and pole-mounted configurations. Each setup came with its own learning curve, including some tight pinch points that kept on his toes and, admittedly, a bit sore by the end of the voyage. Northern work builds character, and Sam added another chapter to that story.

Sound Velocity Profile, SVP, Valeport SVP, Oceanographic Data, Hydrographic Surveying, Multibeam Sonar Corrections, Water Column Measurement, Marine Mapping, Survey Calibration, Acoustic Data Quality, Valeport, Valeport SVP, Sound Velocity Probe, SVP Profiles, Oceanographic Sensors, Hydrographic Equipment, Marine Instrumentation, Survey Sensors, Sound Velocity Data, Hydrographic Survey Tools, Ocean Mapping Technology, Water Column Measurement

Challenging Field Conditions

Working from a compact vessel demands constant cooperation and adaptability.  Limited living quarters, constrained storage, and complex cable routing made mobilization demanding. When conditions test our patience, our creativity, and our ability to look out for your team are the working environments where Challenger thrives

Bathymetric Survey, Hydrographic Fieldwork, Boat Living Conditions, Offshore Survey Life, Remote Marine Operations, Vessel Mobilization, Crew Experience, Compact Vessel Challenges, Survey Crew Life, Marine Field Conditions, Offshore Work Environment, Northern Surveying, Challenger Geomatics

Looking Ahead

Each northern project sharpens our approach and our experience. This mission highlighted the value of:

  • Earlier mobilization

  • More frequent crew rotations

  • Larger vessels for extended offshore operations

These experiences help us refine our methods and continue delivering dependable data in some of Canada’s most challenging waters.

The crew lived up to the Challenger name with their innovation, commitment, and ability  to push through whatever is thrown our way. Their work contributes to safer navigation, deeper scientific understanding, and a stronger foundation for future projects in Hudson’s Bay.

Challenger is built for this work, and we’re excited for more.

Bathymetric Survey in Northern Hudson’s Bay

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