Introduction

Choosing the right Single Beam Echo Sounder is important for collecting accurate water depth data. Some systems are designed for shallow rivers and lakes, while others are built for deep-water hydrographic surveys.

Before selecting an instrument, it is helpful to understand the strengths of each manufacturer and the models they offer.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Single Beam Echo Sounder?

Before buying a Single Beam Echo Sounder, consider the operating frequency, depth measuring range, depth accuracy, GNSS compatibility, survey software support, data logging capability, durability, and the availability of local service and technical support.

Choosing the right system helps improve survey quality and makes fieldwork more efficient.

Teledyne Odom Hydrographic

Teledyne Odom Hydrographic is one of the world’s most respected manufacturers of hydrographic survey equipment. Their Single Beam Echo Sounders are widely used for professional bathymetric surveys and dredging projects.

Popular Models

• Hydrotrac II
• Hydrotrac II LR
• Echotrac E20

Best For

• Hydrographic Surveys
• Dredging Projects
• Port Surveys
• Navigation Channel Surveys

SyQwest

SyQwest manufactures reliable hydrographic survey systems used in inland and coastal waters. Their equipment is known for dependable performance and accurate depth measurements.

Popular Models

• Bathy-500MF
• Bathy-2010 PC

Best For

• River Surveys
• Lake Surveys
• Reservoir Surveys
• Environmental Monitoring

Valeport

Valeport is well known for producing high-quality oceanographic and hydrographic instruments. Their echo sounders are trusted for precision and long-term reliability.

Popular Models

• Valeport MIDAS SVX2 (Integrated Survey System)
• Valeport RapidSV (Used with Hydrographic Systems)

Best For

• Coastal Surveys
• Marine Research
• Port Development
• Hydrographic Projects

SonarMite

SonarMite develops compact Single Beam Echo Sounders that are easy to install and operate. They are widely used for inland water surveys and small survey boats.

Popular Models

• SonarMite BTX
• SonarMite Echo Sounder

Best For

• Small Boat Surveys
• Inland Waterways
• Canal Surveys
• Dam Surveys

CEE HydroSystems

CEE HydroSystems manufactures portable hydrographic survey equipment designed for professional and environmental applications.

Popular Models

• CEE ECHO
• CEE ECHO ES

Best For

• River Mapping
• Environmental Surveys
• Reservoir Surveys
• Shallow Water Surveys

Ohmex

Ohmex provides hydrographic survey equipment that combines reliable depth measurement with user-friendly operation.

Popular Models

• Ohmex Sonarmite V4
• Ohmex Sonarmite BTX

Best For

• Bathymetric Surveys
• Dredging Monitoring
• Inland Water Surveys

CHCNAV

CHCNAV offers complete hydrographic survey solutions that combine GNSS positioning with echo sounding technology for efficient data collection.

Popular Models

• CHCNAV D270 Echo Sounder
• CHCNAV Hydro Survey Solution

Best For

• Hydrographic Mapping
• River Engineering
• Coastal Surveys
• Marine Construction

How to Choose the Right Single Beam Echo Sounder

The best Single Beam Echo Sounder depends on the type of survey you perform. For rivers, lakes, and canals, a compact and portable system may be enough. For ports, dredging, and coastal engineering projects, a professional hydrographic system with higher accuracy and advanced software is a better choice.

Also consider after-sales service, spare parts availability, software updates, and compatibility with your GNSS receiver and hydrographic software.

Conclusion

Single Beam Echo Sounders remain one of the most reliable tools for measuring water depth. Different manufacturers offer different features to meet different survey requirements. By understanding the strengths of each brand and model, you can choose an instrument that delivers accurate, dependable, and efficient hydrographic survey results.