Site Investigations

Geotechnical Investigations

What lies beneath the surface is often the key to structural success. Our geotechnical engineers conduct subsurface explorations—including soil borings, test pits, cone penetration tests (CPTs), and laboratory soil analysis—to evaluate bearing capacity, settlement potential, liquefaction risks, and slope stability.

Armed with this data, we design foundations, retaining systems, seawalls, and other infrastructure that are properly tailored to site conditions. We also offer ground improvement solutions such as vibro-compaction and soil stabilization when needed to optimize site performance and reduce construction costs.

Topographic and Bathymetric Surveys

Accurate elevation and underwater data are critical for waterfront and marina development. We provide high-resolution topographic surveys, hydrographic (bathymetric) mapping, and cross-sectional profiles using a combination of traditional surveying, drone LiDAR, sonar, and GPS technology. These surveys support site planning, permitting, dredging, shoreline stabilization, and flood resilience design.

We also offer rectified aerial photography and 3D terrain modeling that allow for detailed visualizations and volume calculations—helping clients better understand opportunities and constraints at a glance.

Environmental Site Assessments

Before acquiring or developing land, it’s essential to identify any environmental liabilities. We conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to uncover risks such as contamination, wetland jurisdiction, protected species habitat, or historical land use impacts. Our assessments are used to satisfy regulatory requirements, inform due diligence, and negotiate purchase agreements that fairly allocate environmental risks and responsibilities.

We also assist with endangered species surveys, wetland delineations, and ecological evaluations that may affect project design and permitting.

Hydrographic and Coastal Process Studies

Understanding water dynamics is critical for any coastal development. We perform detailed studies of tidal flows, sediment transport, wave patterns, and shoreline change rates to support marina layout, inlet management, beach restoration, and flood resilience planning. Our numerical modeling capabilities allow us to simulate different design scenarios and optimize site performance against future climate conditions.

Drone and LiDAR Technology

Coastal Systems utilizes the latest remote sensing technologies, including drone-based LiDAR scanning and high-resolution photogrammetry, to gather precise site data quickly and safely. These tools provide invaluable insights for large, complex, or difficult-to-access sites—producing 3D models, vegetation mapping, erosion analysis, and infrastructure inventories at a level of detail impossible with traditional methods.