What does SPI-Scan do?

Today - SPI-scan returns vertical profiles of the sediment-water interface in soft-bottom areas. A few sample SPI images are available below. Because the imager is scanning the wall of the hole it burrows images can be obtained regardless of water visibility or light levels. SP images are 210 x 280 mm at a user-selectable resolution of 75-600 dpi requiring 17-120 sec per scan. Time-lapse mode (tSPI) allows unattended bioturbation scans at any interval >1 min. If a GPS stream is available to the computer all images will be stamped with date, time, and position information. Geotiff tags allow the images to be automatically placed in proper positions on GIS.

Common SPI parameters include

During deployment, a live video feed is also available to the operator. This feed can also be captured to file during the sampling process (water visibility permitting).

Tomorrow - We are currently developing integrated sensor systems for a 'one-cast' monitoring solution to maximise your field efficiency. Most coastal monitoring instruments only study the water; let your science go beyond the bottom.

Where has the SPI-Scan system been used?

SPI in general is a monitoring technique widely accepted by the scientific community and environmental impact assessment authorities in the UK and the US EPA. (NOTE: Publications listed and linked here does not imply endorsement by third parties.)

Typical SPI users include

• Coastal & estuarine researchers
• Municipality & compliance technicians
• Port & waterway authorities
• Aquaculture / mariculture operators
• Spill response teams

		Publication by New Zealand's National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd. highlighting an ongoing research programme which combines our SPI-Scan model II imagery, micro-profiles of sediment chemistry, and sediment diagensis models. Vopel, K.; Giles, H.; Zeldis, J. (2007). Colourful seafloor. Water & Atmosphere 15(2): 22–23. 568 kb .pdf
		Initial rotational SPI-Scan (rSPI) concept, development, and trials thesis chapter. Paavo, B.L. (2007). Soft-sediment benthos of Aramoana and Blueskin Bay (Otago, New Zealand) and effects of dredge-spoil disposal. PhD thesis, University of Otago Department of Marine Science, 498 pages. sections available upon request
		Publication by Environment Waikato (a New Zealand Regional Council). An initial evaluation of the SPI-Scan model II imager prototype for use in shellfish aquaculture biomonitoring. Vopel, K.; Funnell, G. (2006). Wilson Bay Sediment Profile Imaging: 1. Instrument Test. Enviornment Waikato Technical Report 2006/09 , document 1060532, 9 pages. 138 kb .pdf
		Wikipedia article expanding on SPI principles and rSPI approach of SPI-Scan. LINK

What does SPI-Scan cost?

Operational cost savings - Owners have found the small form-factor of SPI-scan pays for itself within a few months of commercial deployment in operational cost savings alone. "Traditional" SPI systems require heavy lifting equipment available only on large vessels. Use vessels of opportunity instead of special research craft.

Over 100 deployments can usually be conducted in a single field day. Site reconnaissance and coarse GIS habitat mapping can provide key information to efficiently plan your seafloor sampling effort. SP image analysis can reduce or eliminate costly and repetitive sediment texture analyses and provide an archival record of many in situ sediment parameters.

Consultant cost savings - SPI-Scan was specifically developed to make SPI an affordable tool for environmental monitoring and consent studies. Many aquaculture, port, and coastal development programmes could benefit from SPI techniques, but the cost of renting, buying, and deploying "traditional" SPI equipment usually restricted its use to government programmes.

We believe that if environmental monitoring is effective and efficient it will be done more widely and more often. As consultants ourselves we know that environmental consulting costs burden responsible clients. The SPI-Scan system is inexpensive enough to be hired or purchased by a single user or co-operative and can usually be deployed from the operator's own vessels under the supervision of only one or two field technicians. We want market forces to reduce consulting costs. Once a consultant -anywhere in the world- has developed an understanding of the system, the imagery can be sent to them electronically for analysis and reporting thus eliminating unproductive travel and field costs in repetitive monitoring programmes. As leaders in the field we hope that you consider Benthic Science Limited when you require consulting services! Contact us to discuss configuration and pricing options, systems typically sell for less than 1/4 of other SPI systems.

General Requirements

• Repeated deployments of SPI-Scan is made easier when done from a vessel with a small davit or lifting block.
• SPI-Scan software requires a Windows 2000 or XP computer system with adequate fixed storage for the imagery.
• Position stamping requires streaming GPS input (NMEA) to one of the computer's COM ports.
• A source of 12VDC power is required (<3A).
• A large-diameter shieve (pulley) is required for safe handling of the tether.

SPI-Scan system components

• SPI-Scan model II imager
• SPI-Scan model III imager
• Surface junction box
• Stainless steel deployment frame
• Galvanized steel deployment frame
• 50 m tether and terminations with back-up Kellem grip
• Large diameter block for cable management
• Consulting support services
• Technical support services

Benthic Science Limited is the sole supplier of SPI-Scan systems. We will provide discounts on multiple-unit orders and service packages and can usually accept institutional purchase orders.

Email us with any questions (info@benthicscience.com)