Business Details
40 Years
experience
Expert Hydrographic Surveying Services in Pasadena, TX
Established in 1986, CRA is a woman-owned hydrographic surveying firm headquartered in Houston, Texas. Our company specializes in delivering high-technology hydrographic surveying services across the United States and internationally, operating in over 26 states and locations including Mexico, Venezuela, the Bahamas, and Diego Garcia. With decades of experience in coastal and inland waterway surveying, we utilize advanced systems such as multibeam swath bathymetry, marine magnetometers, and high-resolution sonars to meet diverse client needs. Our team combines expertise in civil engineering and offshore surveying, originally developed through years in the oil industry, to provide precise data acquisition and analysis. We maintain a fleet of specialized vessels equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling rapid mobilization for projects ranging from sediment sampling to underwater infrastructure inspections.Our commitment to innovation ensures clients receive accurate, cost-effective solutions tailored to their specific requirements. We adhere to rigorous industry standards, serving port authorities, environmental firms, and engineering companies with services compliant with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA protocols. Our global project experience, including work in challenging environments like the Houston Ship Channel, underscores our ability to deliver reliable results under demanding conditions. By prioritizing client collaboration, we help determine optimal data collection methods for each project, ensuring measurable value and operational success.
Services
Marine Survey
Geophysical Systems
Sediment Sampling
Underwater Inspection
Dredging Support
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of specialized hydrographic surveying experience.
- Our fleet includes vessels equipped with multibeam and high-resolution sonar systems.
- We provide EPA and USACE-compliant sediment sampling and dredging services.
- Our team pioneered offshore surveying techniques in the oil industry.
- We operate internationally, with projects spanning five continents.
Services
Marine Survey
We conduct marine surveys using Edgetech software and SonarWhizMap processing to map underwater topography. Our systems capture high-resolution bathymetric data for navigation safety, dredging planning, and environmental monitoring. Clients receive geo-referenced charts and 3D models to support coastal engineering and infrastructure projects.
Geophysical Systems
Our geophysical surveys employ magnetometers, sidescan sonars, and sub-bottom profilers to detect underwater objects and geological features. This technology identifies unexploded ordnance, pipelines, and sediment layers, providing critical data for construction and environmental assessments. We process results using CAD software for precise deliverables.
Sediment Sampling
We perform sediment sampling with vibracore and grab samplers to analyze soil composition for dredging and environmental compliance. Our 24' vessel deploys equipment meeting USACE and EPA standards, producing sampling plans and reports for material disposal. This service supports port maintenance and ecological studies.
Underwater Inspection
High-resolution sonars and ROVs inspect underwater structures like bulkheads and bridge piers in low-visibility conditions. We use Echoscope 3D sonar to create detailed images, identifying repair needs without diver intervention. This reduces costs and improves safety during infrastructure assessments.
Dredging Support
We provide surveying and sampling services for dredging projects, mapping sediment accumulation and analyzing material composition. Our data informs dredge planning and disposal compliance, serving port authorities and environmental agencies. We meet regulatory requirements for Texas coastal waterways.
Questions
What hydrographic services do you offer?
We provide marine surveys, sediment sampling, geophysical imaging, underwater inspections, and dredging support using advanced sonar and positioning systems.
How long have you been in business?
CRA has operated since 1986, providing hydrographic surveying services for over 35 years.
Do you work internationally?
Yes, we've completed projects in Mexico, Venezuela, the Bahamas, Caribbean islands, and the Indian Ocean.
What technology do you use?
We use Edgetech sonars, Marine Magnetics magnetometers, Echoscope 3D imaging, and HYPACK data acquisition software.
