Short answer: for depth surveys of ponds, lakes and rivers, a single-beam USV such as the Apache 3 or Apache 3 Pro is the efficient choice. If you also measure river discharge with an ADCP, or want to add a multibeam later, choose the Apache 4 or Apache 4 Pro. For full-coverage 3D seabed mapping with a high-end multibeam, the Apache 6 is the platform.
CHCNAV Apache USVs compared
| Model | Key features (manufacturer) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Apache 3 | About 7 kg, under 1 m long · dual GNSS positioning and heading · integrated single-beam echosounder · 4G and 2.4 GHz remote control | One-person depth surveys of ponds, lakes and rivers |
| Apache 3 Pro | Double-layer carbon-fibre, unsinkable hull · GNSS RTK + inertial navigation · D270 single-beam, 0.15–200 m · mm-wave radar obstacle avoidance | Shallow-water surveys near structures, bridges and obstacles |
| Apache 4 | Adaptive straight-line navigation and hovering · central sensor shaft for ADCPs (CHCNAV RS series, M9, RiverPro, RiverRay, RTDP 1200), HQ-400 multibeam, side-scan, water-quality probes | Hydrology: discharge measurement plus bathymetry |
| Apache 4 Pro | Multi-purpose: ADCP, multibeam, water quality, optional automated sound-velocity profiling · GNSS + IMU · obstacle awareness · anti-entanglement design | One USV for several hydrographic workflows |
| Apache 6 | Triple-hulled · built for NORBIT iWBMSe, iWBMS and iWBMSh-STX multibeams · about 15 kg without sensors | High-resolution 3D bathymetry, structures and objects |
Single-beam or multibeam?
A single-beam echosounder measures depth directly below the boat along survey lines. It is the cost-effective way to produce contours, volumes and cross-sections for reservoirs, tailings ponds, dugouts and river reaches. A multibeam echosounder measures a wide swath on each pass, giving full-coverage 3D models of the bottom, channels and submerged structures — at higher cost and with more processing. Many teams start with single-beam on an Apache 3 or Apache 3 Pro and add a multibeam such as the HN-400M on an Apache 4 Pro when projects demand it.
Questions to ask before you buy
- How large and how far away are your water bodies? A light USV like the Apache 3 can be launched by one person from a truck.
- Do you work near bridges, docks or debris? Inertial navigation and radar obstacle avoidance (Apache 3 Pro) keep the survey running when GNSS is blocked or the route is cluttered.
- Do you need discharge measurements? Choose the Apache 4 or 4 Pro for ADCP integration.
- Will you need multibeam later? Buying a platform that accepts it (Apache 4 Pro, Apache 6) avoids replacing the boat.
Rent the boat first
LATNET rents the Apache 3 single-beam USV from $3,900 per week, shipped from Calgary — the rental calendar shows when it's available. See survey equipment rentals, or book a demo and get a quote on any Apache system. Read our overview of bathymetric surveying with CHCNAV USVs for workflow details.
Frequently asked questions
How deep can a single-beam USV measure?
The D270 single-beam echosounder on the Apache 3 Pro measures from 0.15 m to 200 m. Real range depends on water conditions and the bottom type.
Can one person operate an Apache USV?
Yes, the Apache 3 is about 7 kg and under 1 m long, designed for single-operator deployment. The larger Apache 6 is designed to be launched by two people.
What is an ADCP used for?
An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler measures water velocity through the water column, which is used to calculate river discharge. The Apache 4 and 4 Pro carry ADCPs through a central sensor shaft.
Can I rent a survey boat in Canada?
Yes. LATNET rents the CHCNAV Apache 3 single-beam USV by the day or week and ships it across Canada from Calgary.
Equipment mentioned in this article
Authorized CHCNAV dealer · Calgary-based support · Shipped across Canada · Live demos and rentals available
CHCNAV Apache 3 Single Beam Bathymetric Survey USV
CHCNAV · Marine Surveying
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CHCNAV Apache 3 Pro Single Beam Bathymetric Survey USV
CHCNAV · Marine Surveying
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CHCNAV Apache 4 USV Bathymetric System
CHCNAV · Marine Surveying
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CHCNAV Apache 4 Pro USV Bathymetric System
CHCNAV · Marine Surveying
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CHCNAV Apache 6 Multibeam Hydrographic Survey USV
CHCNAV · Marine Surveying
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CHCNAV HN-400M Multi-Beam Echosounder
CHCNAV · Marine Surveying
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