River Survey Evolution by means of Autonomous Surface Vehicles

Liguria (Italy) is one of the European regions where extreme events related to anthropogenic changes have had the greatest number of negative effects. In this area the use of suitable robots can improve monitoring the impact of anthropogenic pressure in wetland ecosystems. A recent bathymetry survey took place with an ASV named SWAMP that was specifically designed for the extremely shallow waters peculiar of rivers and inland waters. SWAMP was equipped with a single beam sonar protected inside the hull and performed a bathimetry in the area where Roja river flows not far from the Italy-France border. During the survey SWAMP proved to be easily transportable in a harsh environment and to be capable of working in extremely shallow water without any risk for sensors and propulsion and to be highly manoeuvrable in narrow space.