At JSM Group, a leading Utility Infrastructure Provider delivering integrated utility infrastructure solutions, our commitment to precision and innovation continues to shape the way we approach infrastructure planning and engineering services. One area where this is especially evident is in our use of bathymetric surveys, a technique that has evolved dramatically over time, transforming from rudimentary depth measurements to high-resolution underwater mapping. Nick Stillwell, a Pre-Construction Supervisor at JSM, explains how bathymetric surveys now play a critical role in supporting our utility infrastructure solutions and other engineering projects during the early planning stages. How have bathymetric surveys evolved to support modern infrastructure planning? Bathymetric surveying has a surprisingly ancient origin, dating back over 3,000 years to Ancient Egypt, where they relied on manual methods like lead lines and sounding poles, offering limited accuracy and coverage. Today, technologies such as Single Beam Sonar, GNSS, and Total Station workflows allow us to capture detailed spatial data with speed and precision. This evolution has unlocked new possibilities for infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, and flood risk management.  Why is bathymetric surveying critical for integrated land and water design? In a recent project, our team conducted a comprehensive bathymetric and topographic survey over two days, with a one-day turnaround on reporting. With the goal to support infrastructure planning with reliable, high-resolution data and by integrating underwater and land-based surveying techniques, we created a seamless model of the land-water interface which is critical for accurate volume calculations and design planning.  The resulting data provided planners, engineers, and stakeholders with the confidence to progress designs efficiently and reduce risk at later project stages.
JSM employee using Total Station during a Bathymetric survey
What challenges do bathymetric surveys present on complex infrastructure projects? Bathymetric surveying presents unique technical and environmental challenges. Factors such as water movement, visibility constraints, and restricted access require careful coordination, specialist training, and robust workflows. However, through and robust workflows, JSM successfully delivered:
  • Full 3D surface models
  • Detailed CAD drawings
  • GIS-ready datasets suitable for integration into wider utility infrastructure solutions and digital infrastructure contractor workflows
These outputs empower engineers and planners working across utility services and other engineering frameworks to move forward with clarity and confidence. How are bathymetric surveys shaping the future of resilient infrastructure? As infrastructure projects become more complex and climate resilience more urgent, bathymetric surveys are no longer niche, they are essential. They enable a deeper understanding of submerged environments, support risk assessment, and allow infrastructure to be designed with long-term resilience in mind. At JSM, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, using cutting-edge survey technologies to support utility infrastructure experts, integrated utility infrastructure solutions, and full turnkey services across the UK and beyond. By combining innovation with engineering expertise, we continue to deliver insights that help shape the future of sustainable, resilient infrastructure.  

Welcome to our new ‘Bytesized’ series, your go-to for a quick read on hot topics in utility infrastructure. Each article delivers insights to keep you informed, fast.

Survey work was recently carried out at a substation in Lincolnshire, where the team undertook a PAS 128 utility survey to support the development of a new cable route for the client. GPS devices were used to capture mark-ups across the site, and the data collected is being processed into a 2D format to visualise the survey findings.

The activities included both utility mapping and topographical surveying. These provided essential information for cable route planning, including land heights, culverts, drains, and their dimensions. This level of detail was key to identifying landmarks and ensuring the proposed route would be practical and efficient.

Utility mapping also played a vital role in understanding existing infrastructure. It helped confirm what was already documented and revealed previously unknown features that may require further investigation. By undertaking these surveys, the team helped de-risk the project, ensuring that design decisions were based on accurate, site-specific data.

The PAS 128 survey provided a critical foundation for the project. By capturing accurate, site-specific data early in the process, we were able to validate existing records, uncover unknown risks, and inform the design with confidence. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of costly delays later in delivery. – Madalina Cordea, Pre-Construction Project Manager.

This work formed a crucial part of the early planning phase, laying the groundwork for a safe and effective cable installation into the substation.

Horizontal Directional Drilling, often referred to as HDD, is continuing to change how underground utilities are installed across the United Kingdom. It allows pipes, ducts and cables to be installed beneath rivers, roads and environmentally sensitive areas without the need for disruptive open-cut excavation. This article outlines JSM Group’s recent feasibility study for a proposed HDD installation beneath the River Ouse. The study helped to clarify whether the installation was viable, safe and efficient, and provided the technical foundation for the next stage of the project.

Why Choose HDD?

HDD is a trenchless method, which means the surface remains largely untouched. This makes it ideal for crossing rivers, waterways, major roads and protected environments. Because there is no need to dig long trenches, the approach reduces disruption for communities and significantly lowers environmental impact.

What the Feasibility Study Included

Before drilling can take place, a detailed feasibility assessment is essential. JSM carried out a number of investigations to understand the conditions beneath the River Ouse and to plan an appropriate drill route. These investigations included:

Borehole investigations

These provided information about the geology and soil layers beneath the river. Understanding the type of ground, such as clay, sand or gravel, is vital for selecting the correct drilling method and equipment.

Topographical surveys

These mapped the ground surface above the planned drill route, helping the team to identify any constraints, level changes or access challenges.

Bathymetric surveys

These measured the depth and shape of the riverbed. This information allowed the design team to understand underwater conditions and to plan a drill path that remained safely below the river channel. Alongside the technical surveys, JSM engaged early with all required stakeholders. These included landowners, clients and third parties. Early engagement helps to secure access, align expectations and ensure that everyone understands the project requirements before any work begins. Riaz Cadersaib, Head of Pre-Construction at JSM says: 
Feasibility studies like this are more than a formality, they’re a strategic investment. They help identify risks, shape technical decisions, and streamline approvals. With thorough groundwork, HDD teams can anticipate challenges, refine their approach, and deliver successful installations even in the most demanding environments.

Why Feasibility Is Important

A feasibility study provides clarity long before a drill rig arrives on site. It helps to:
  • Identify geological or environmental risks 
  • Select the correct drilling technique 
  • Reduce project delays 
  • Support regulatory approvals 
  • Increase the likelihood of a successful and safe installation 
By gathering accurate data at an early stage, the drilling team can avoid unexpected issues during construction and maintain a smooth project timeline.

What JSM’s Approach Shows

JSM’s work beneath the River Ouse highlights the importance of combining civil engineering expertise with careful planning. Their structured approach demonstrates how HDD can be used safely and effectively even in demanding environments. With in-house design, surveys, planning and installation capability, JSM can manage every stage of an HDD project. This ensures compliance, quality, environmental responsibility and a high standard of delivery for clients. The River Ouse feasibility study is a strong example of how modern trenchless technology can support essential infrastructure delivery while protecting sensitive environments. With precise surveys, early stakeholder engagement and a clear understanding of ground conditions, HDD provides a safe and efficient method for installing utilities beneath rivers and other challenging obstacles.