Monthly Archives: August 2011

Smith Mountain Lake Benefits from Bathymetry Survey

Engineers Developing Dredging Plan and Dock Placement Select Local Expert for Bathymetry Study

Smith Mountain Lake is a gorgeous, 40-mile long, 20,600 acre lake, with 500 miles of shoreline, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of rural southwestern Virginia.  Part of an ongoing improvement project required small sections ranging from 0.25 to 3 acres to be dredged due to sedimentation and safety issues.   Another area of the lake was preparing for the installation of several docks for the increase in boaters.  In both cases, accurate bathymetric lake mapping conducted by SŌLitude Lake Management® and The Mapping Network was used as a tool for measuring lake depth and sediment volume to assist the lake in finding the best methods of dock placement and dredging techniques.  Engineers now have an updated basemap to monitor future sediment levels and keep boats traveling safely through the lake.

How accurate is your lake data? Did you know that many lake maps currently used by decision makers and the general public are either very old (often from the 1950′s) or were the original design plans (usually very inaccurate).  Don’t base your management and safety decisions on data that can be several feet off – have your lake mapped by the premier bathymetry survey providers in the country!  Only select companies undergo the detailed training provided through The Mapping Network.  This group of professional lake mappers have the local knowledge and reputation to proficiently map your lake.

Contour and Color-Shaded Depth Map of study area by SŌLitude Lake Management®

Creating an accurate, up-to-date lake map of a cove. This information assists in construction and dredging plans by showing contractors and lake managers exactly what the bottom of the lake looks like.

SŌLitude Lake Management® Website on Lake Mapping:  http://www.solitudelakemanagement.com/services/lake-mapping/

Kevin Tucker is the president of SŌLitude Lake Management®, specializing in pond and lake management.  SŌLitude Lake Management® also controls pond management interests in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and North Carolina.

phone: (866) 697-2584

website:  http://www.solitudelakemanagement.com

To learn more about our Sediment Mapping here >> Sediment Mapping Detailed

The Mapping Network is an industry leader in Geographic Information Systems Consulting, Data Conversion, and GPS Data Collection.  We specialize in terrain and sub-surface (bathymetry) GPS mapping.   If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality golf course, lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your resource mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Check out The Mapping Network on Facebook for more examples and success stories!

For the best results in mapping, it’s best to consult with a lake management company equipped with the very latest in GPS mapping technology.  Along with standard contour maps, The Mapping Network creates virtual media solutions on YouTube including a fly-over video and virtual underwater virtual swim-through.  With this knowledge, you can add layers of depth to the information you seek to maintain a beautiful lake.

Sediment Issues on Missouri River Marina

Most lakes and ponds are fed by rivers and creeks and water isn’t the only thing being carried into the lake.  Something unseen is slowly accumulating on your lake bottom – Sediment.   When flooding occurs, the increased river levels cause extremely high amounts of sediment to be deposited into your lake.  Sedimentation is one of the costliest problems facing lakes due to the difficulty of removal.

If you live on a lake that is fed by a creek or river, there is a high need to monitor and map out sediment accumulation.
The Mapping Network teamed up with a local engineering company to map a marina on the Missouri River.  The purpose of this project was to determine the amount of sedimentation in the marina.  The Army Corps of Engineers used this information to gather bids for dredging the marina.  The post-dredge report declared an accurate bathymetric and sedimentation survey was collected and all parties were very satisfied with the results.

Contour map with sediment thickness points of a marina on the Missouri River.

To learn more about our Sediment Mapping here >> Sediment Mapping Detailed

The Mapping Network is an industry leader in Geographic Information Systems Consulting, Data Conversion, and GPS Data Collection.  We specialize in terrain and sub-surface (bathymetry) GPS mapping.   If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality golf course, lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your resource mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Check out The Mapping Network on Facebook for more examples and success stories!

Lake Dredging Due to Sediment Problems?

Save Significant Money on Dredging Projects with The Mapping Network!

The Mapping Network recently completed a mapping project for a large-scale home owners association in Arkansas.  The large lake had 21 coves and several homeowners were having difficulties accessing their dock due to sedimentation.  Here were some of the questions the HOA management team had:

– where is the highest sedimentation occurring?

– how much fluffy sediment (in cubic yards) is in each cove?

– if the lake is drawn down 5 ft, what would the shoreline look like?

– how much water (gallons and acre-ft) is in the lake?

– if we make each cove a minimum of 4 feet deep for boat access how much material do we need to remove?

– by undertaking this mapping process will it save us money in the end?

The overall goal of the lake mapping project was to survey each cove for future dredging along with the creation of an accurate map of the entire lake.  The lake had 21 coves and The Mapping Network collected water depths over the entire lake and fluffy sediment levels for all areas under 10 feet of water.

3D models were generated to show how much sediment had accumulated in each cove.  Contour maps were also made for each cove and given to the lake manager and engineer to review for dredging planning.  The Mapping Network then created cut-fill calculations and maps based on the specifications of the lake manager.  The HOA then used this information as part of the bid package given to dredging companies.  Presenting the precise plans took out the guess work and kept all the dredging contractors on task and it is projected to save the HOA an estimated $5,000-$12,000 per cove!  An incredible cost savings when compiled over 21 coves.

In the example maps below, The Mapping Network located the areas where the current depth was less than four feet, which was the dredging zone.  The mapping techniques utilized in this project helped the HOA accurately calculate and isolate areas of high sedimentation for removal and helped the property manager budget accordingly.

The bottom line – This powerful information allows for smart management and planning decisions and will serve as a baseline for future projects.  A great value!

A series of maps showing the seleceted area for dredging. The current lake bathymetry (top) and the post-dredge contours (middle) are shown in blue shading. A cut-fill model (bottom) shows areas of cut needed to reach the goal.
A series of maps showing the selected area for dredging.
The current lake bathymetry (top) and the post-dredge contours (middle)
are shown in blue shading. A cut-fill model (bottom) shows areas of cut
needed to reach the goal.

The Mapping Network provides the highest quality and is the most affordable bathymetric mapping system on the market today.  If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Check out The Mapping Network on Facebook for more examples and success stories!

What is Being Left on the Bottom of Your Lake?

Most lakes and ponds are fed by rivers and creeks and water isn’t the only thing being carried into the lake.  Something unseen is slowly accumulating on your lake bottom – Sediment.   When flooding occurs, the increased river levels cause extremely high amounts of sediment to be deposited into your lake.  Sedimentation is one of the costliest problems facing lakes due to the difficulty of removal.  If you live on a lake that is fed by a creek or river, there is a high need to monitor and map out sediment accumulation.  Learn more about our Sediment Mapping here >> Sediment Mapping Detailed

Here at The Mapping Network, we specialize in accurately mapping bodies of water, calculating the water volume, collecting sediment depth samples at critical areas and monitoring the distribution of sediment over time.  We have a nationwide group of professionals specializing in all facets of lake management.   If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

Locations of sediment depth points collected. Each cover where a creek entered the lake was surveyed for sedimentation. The results of this project will assist lake managers in creating dredging plans.

Map displaying sediment depths with color-shading to visualize the areas of high sedimentation.

contact:  Steve Bartosh

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

Is GPS Lake Mapping For You?

3D Lake Map

3D Color-shaded depth map showing the unique characteristics under the surface of a lake

To fully enjoy your lake or pond it is essential to know the facts.  Exact acreage, depths, and chemistry of your lake are critical factors for making the best management decisions.  Armed with this knowledge you will be able to properly place structure, deliver appropriate stocking densities, select the correct fish species, apply the right amount of weed control, and of course gain a better idea where those bass may be hiding!

Equipped with the very latest in GPS surface mapping, bathymetry, 3-D contour imaging, aerial and fly-over video resources and virtual underwater swim-view 3-D mapping, we are able to add layers of depth to the information our customers seek. Whether you are tracking sedimentation, planning for dredging, looking to improve your fishery, or simply looking to understand the overall size, volume, and bottom contour of your pond in order to make good management decisions, we have the tools you need to be successful.

The Mapping Network maps lakes throughout the entire year all across the nation.  An accurate lake map provides the information needed to make the most of your aquatic resource.   The Mapping Network provides the highest quality and is the most affordable bathymetric mapping system on the market today.  If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

contact:  Steve Bartosh

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Follow The Mapping Network on LinkedIn

We invite you to follow our company page of LinkedIn for the latest information on The Mapping Network.

http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mapping-network

The Mapping Network provides the highest quality and is the most affordable golf course and bathymetric mapping system on the market today.  If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality golf course, lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

contact:  Steve Bartosh

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

2011 PGA Championship Course Map

The Atlanta Athletic Club (AAC) is the site for the final major in the 2011 golf season.  The AAC is comprised of two 18 hole courses and a Par 3 course.  The Highlands Course is the site for the 93rd PGA Championship from August 8 to 14, 2011. Robert Trent Jones designed the original back nine in 1964 and Joe Finger did the front nine. The course was redesigned for 93rd PGA Championship by Rees Jones. It features Diamond Zoysia Fairways, Champion Ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens and Tifton 10 rough. Highlands is the only course in the world with this grassing combination. It  produces outstanding playing conditions as well as great definition and contrast. An article in the August 2011 issue of Golf Digest featured Highlands’ grasses and ended with this thought, “Mark these words: The turfgrasses of Atlanta Athletic Club make it revolutionary.”

The Mapping Network provides the highest quality and is the most affordable golf course and bathymetric mapping system on the market today.  If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality golf course, lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

contact:  Steve Bartosh

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Golf Course GPS Mapping

Golf Course GPS Mapping Provided by The Mapping Network.  Every feature on a golf course can be accurately measured with either a GPS unit or through the use of imagery.  Imagery is a cost effective way to provide the superintendent  and his staff with additional information about the course.  All irrigation and drainage features can be added to the base map providing a detailed inventory of every component of the irrigation system including pipes (type, size, and length), sprinkler heads, valves, drains, and controllers.  This  information is compatible with most irrigation systems (e.g. Toro or Rainbird) and is a great communication tool for grounds personnel.  Save time, save money and increase efficiency:  Could there be a better reason for having an accurate as-built map of your golf course?  Accurate area measurements and square footage of tees, greens, fairways, sand traps, water, rough, and cart paths can be a crucial money saver.  Access to a digital golf course map instantly provides all the critical information needed for successful management and decision-making.   The GIS software calculates the area of each feature and summarizes it in a table.  This comes in handy when ordering seed, sand, and chemicals.   A full color wall map is designed displaying all tees, greens, fairways, bunkers, water bodies, cart paths, club house area, grounds keeper area, practice area and basic perimeter.   Please contact The Mapping Network for more information on golf course GPS mapping.
Golf GPS Data Collection
Collecting irrigation features using sub-foot GPS equipment
Golf Course
Golf Course features captured in the field using sub-foot accurate GPS units.

Irrigation Features GPS

Each irrigation feature was mapped in the field using sub-foot GPS technology.
Data was implemented into golf course superintendents irrigation software program.



The Mapping Network:

www.TheMappingNetwork.com A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

Contact:  Steve Bartosh

Phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

Website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Lake Volume and Capacity Curves

GPS Lake Mapping Accurately Accounts for Current Water Capacity

It is critical to know the exact acreage and depth range of your lake to make sound management decisions.  Precision GPS lake mapping conducted by The Mapping Network utilizes highly accurate procedures and equipment for data collection.  Utilizing sub-foot accurate GPS units and hydro-acoustic depth-sounding equipment, our team logs data points for extremely accurate location mapping.  Hydro-acoustic depth sounding equipment measures depth with unparalleled accuracy.  Our clients are able to accurately understand how much water is available in their lake at any number of water levels.  Best of all, this information is up-to-date and can be customized to any requirement.  Need to know how many gallons of water are available when the lake is at full pool?  How about if the water level is down 5, 10, or 15 feet?  We can even calculate the amount of water in certain depth ranges (example: volume for 5 to 6 feet).  Current, accurate results are our specialty.

A GPS Bathymetric Lake Map and Volume Analysis by The Mapping Network will help optimize your efforts to manage your lake or pond.

The Mapping Network offers a highly accurate "Volume Analysis" option for lakes.

The Mapping Network offers a highly accurate “Volume Analysis” option for lakes.

Capacity Curve shows the relationship between water volume and elevation.
Better understand the volume of your lake with The Mapping Network.

Please contact us for more information on how this service can assist you in managing your aquatic resource.

The Mapping Network:  www.TheMappingNetwork.com

A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

The Mapping Network provides the highest quality and is the most affordable bathymetric mapping system on the market today. If you are serious about maintaining a high-quality lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions, get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network. Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

phone: (402) 241-8177
e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com
website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Does Your Lake Have Sediment Problems?

Save Significant Money on Dredging Projects with The Mapping Network!   The Mapping Network recently completed a mapping project for a large-scale home owners association in Arkansas.  The large lake had 21 coves and several homeowners were having difficulties accessing their dock due to sedimentation.  Here were some of the questions the HOA management team had:- where is the highest sedimentation occurring?

– how much fluffy sediment (in cubic yards) is in each cove?

– if the lake is drawn down 5 ft, what would the shoreline look like?

– how much water (gallons and acre-ft) is in the lake?

– if we make each cove a minimum of 4 feet deep for boat access how much material do we need to remove?

– by undertaking this mapping process will it save us money in the end?

The overall goal of the lake mapping project was to survey each cove for future dredging along with the creation of an accurate map of the entire lake.  The lake had 21 coves and The Mapping Network collected water depths over the entire lake and fluffy sediment levels for all areas under 10 feet of water.

3D models were generated to show how much sediment had accumulated in each cove.  Contour maps were also made for each cove and given to the lake manager and engineer to review for dredging planning.  The Mapping Network then created cut-fill calculations and maps based on the specifications of the lake manager.  The HOA then used this information as part of the bid package given to dredging companies.  Presenting the precise plans took out the guess work and kept all the dredging contractors on task and it is projected to save the HOA an estimated $5,000-$12,000 per cove!  An incredible cost savings when compiled over 21 coves.

In the example maps below, The Mapping Network located the areas where the current depth was less than four feet, which was the dredging zone.  The mapping techniques utilized in this project helped the HOA accurately calculate and isolate areas of high sedimentation for removal and helped the property manager budget accordingly.

The bottom line – This powerful information allows for smart management and planning decisions and will serve as a baseline for future projects.  A great value!

A series of maps showing the seleceted area for dredging. The current lake bathymetry (top) and the post-dredge contours (middle) are shown in blue shading. A cut-fill model (bottom) shows areas of cut needed to reach the goal.
A series of maps showing the selected area for dredging.
The current lake bathymetry (top) and the post-dredge contours (middle)
are shown in blue shading. A cut-fill model (bottom) shows areas of cut needed to reach the goal.

The Mapping Network provides the highest quality and is the most affordable bathymetric mapping system on the market today.  If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com