AIM performed this hydrographic survey to define the bottom topography of approximately 26 miles of waterways in and around Anna Maria Island, Florida, and develop a GIS database to assist public agencies in the analysis and management of dredging activities.

Surveyed lines were depicted in a survey report with color exhibits as well as an ESRI ArcGIS map package customized to integrate seamlessly with a previous ArcGIS map package produced by Florida Sea Grant for the WCIND surveyed in 1998 for the Regional Waterway Management System (RWMS) implementation in Southwest Florida.

Hydrographic survey data was collected using a combination of multi-beam sonar, single-beam sonar, and manual sounding, employing AIM’s entire fleet of vessels, including a 16’ Carolina skiff, a 22’ aluminum closed cabin, and a 10’ aluminum jon boat.

Depths and survey lines depicted in the report and GIS database were derived from a digital terrain model (DTM) generated from over 153,152 surveyed raw data points. Following the RWMS example, the survey area was divided into previously defined traffic-shed areas for easy management and quick dredge assessment by WCIND and Anna Maria Island staff.

As part of FDOT District One Surveying & Mapping Consultant-District Wide contract, AIM performed various surveys of a minor nature in the preparation of right-of-way (R/W) related maps and real property descriptions on District One projects. On this task work order AIM provided services for the preparation of the engineering design and construction plans for SR 64 (US 27) from the Hardee County Line to Self Avenue, a little over 2.8 miles. The scope involves topographic and design survey, including verifying control at 500’ intervals; alignment; reference survey at 2000’ intervals, recovering existing FDOT benchmarks at 1000’ intervals as needed; full topographic/DTM design survey along the corridor to 5’ outside of existing R/W, including 75’ coverage from the main corridor R/W line down all public side streets and with driveways surveyed to 10' beyond R/W. The topographic survey is being performed at 100' intervals, except in superelevated curves which could require 50' intervals or more dense. The team is also tasked with plotting existing R/W maps and performing last deed of record review; performing field review and edit; and performing drainage survey of five closed drainage structures, one box culvert, and two cross drains.

Hurricane Ian devastated many parts of Florida as it cut across the state during the last week of September 2022. With landfall in Southwest Florida, home to many at AIM, our surveyors, engineers, and construction inspectors were eager to help. Ian washed away the roadway approaches that connected bridges to Sanibel Island and Pine Island, leaving hundreds without access to much-needed services. Within 48 hours of landfall, our survey crews deployed, taking boats and all means necessary to begin a survey of the area so that the Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Transportation could quickly start on temporary bridges and roadway repairs. Along with traditional surveying methods, our hydrographic survey vessel, See Bottom, was used to scan the bridge pilings to assess the degree of damage and ensure their structural integrity. AIM was a small part of a state-wide effort to rebuild the critical infrastructure of the devastated area. We are proud of the continued efforts of our people to help restore their community.