Fugro will showcase their latest Rapid Airborne Multibeam Mapping System, RAMMS 2.0, at this week’s Hydro 2023 conference in Genoa, Italy. RAMMS 2.0 is the world’s only airborne lidar system that can deliver both full water column imaging and high-resolution bathymetry, making it ideal for accurately mapping, monitoring, and modeling coastal environments.
This information is critical for coastal hazard assessment and mitigation, marine resource management, coastal engineering, and navigation safety.
The new sensor builds on the success of Fugro’s original RAMMS, which was co-developed with technology partner Areté in response to client needs for more robust Geo-data delivered faster and more sustainably. Since its launch in 2018, Fugro has used RAMMS to map more than 50,000 km2 in the Americas and Europe, meeting international accuracy standards while also reducing carbon emissions by up to 80%.
The key enhancement in RAMMS 2.0 is its dual‑laser capability, which, combined with machine learning, not only boosts data accuracy but also accelerates project delivery. This unique hardware‑software integration was recently put to the test in Portugal, where RAMMS 2.0 was deployed from an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), successfully mapping an area of challenging surf zone.
“The dual-laser, full water column capability of RAMMS 2.0 is a game-changer for coastal resilience,” said Mark MacDonald, Hydrography Director for Fugro in the Americas and Global Product Owner for Fugro RAMMS. “We’re really excited and proud to present this innovation at Hydro 2023, as it empowers users to unlock the full potential of a single dataset to characterize the water column, map the seafloor, understand habitats, and make informed decisions about coastal management.”
MacDonald will present the new system during a talk entitled ‘Fugro RAMMS Lidar Unveiled: Leading the Way in Coastal Ecosystem Discovery’, on 8 November. He’ll be joined by Fugro’s Global Geospatial Lead Pooja Mahapatra and Coastal Resilience Manager for Europe and Africa Benoit Cajelot.
