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Top 5 Surveying Mistakes to Avoid in River Restoration Projects
This quick read highlights the most common & costly mistakes seen during a river survey procurement journey:
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Planning a River Restoration Project? Start with better data. This guide will help your team:
- Avoid the most common surveying pitfalls
- Understand what the surveyor needs
- Improve accuracy and confidence in your modelling
- Keep the project on it’s critical path
| # | Mistake Title | What Goes Wrong | The Impact | How to Avoid It |
| 1 | Failing to Consider Access Early On | No permission No entry to site Delayed project | Survey delays, incomplete data, budget overruns | Conduct early access reviews and engage landowners before mobilisation: Storm Geomatics can do this for you. |
| 2 | Surveying Without Understanding the Hydraulic Model Needs | Data not relevant to modelling inputs. | Site must be re-surveyed, delays in modelling | Align survey scope with modeller needs upfront: Use GeoRiver® Software for relevant data. |
| 3 | Ignoring Features That Seem ‘Out of Scope’ | Subtle weirs, debris dams, or abandoned channels are missed | Missing hydraulic elements produce a model with less integrity | Capture critical hydraulic features even if outside main scope: An experienced River Surveyor will know! |
| 4 | Overlooking Tidal or Flow-Dependent Timing | Survey done during unsuitable flow/tidal conditions | Dangerous or incomplete surveys | Time work with flow data and tide tables; have backup dates: |
| 5 | Establishing vertical control to non standard practice | Incompatible data with all other EA data sets. | Rework required; project credibility suffers | Confirm deliverables early with all stakeholders (EA, consultants, modellers, landowners): Engage river surveyor early in project lifecycle |
Most mistakes stem from communication gaps, not technical faults. Storm Geomatics bridges this by working with modellers, ecologists and funders – so your surveys are not just complete, but will add value to the project.