For the first time, the riverbeds of the Amazon have been mapped in 3D by a public agency, the Geological Service of Brazil (SGB). This groundbreaking technology, utilizing a multibeam echosounder, allows for the identification of hidden structures such as bridges, buried oil pipelines, and foundation erosions that are invisible to the naked eye. The operation, which took place over a span of 16 days from January 28 to February 12, covered an impressive 1,550 kilometers in the Metropolitan Region of Manaus, specifically along the Solimões River.

The mapping initiative resulted in the survey of 91 square kilometers with depth measurements reaching up to 120 meters. Technicians spent more than 170 hours aboard the research vessel, highlighting the methodical approach taken in leveraging advanced technology for environmental and safety assessments in the region. This innovative technique not only facilitates the monitoring of submerged structures but also enhances the evaluation of navigation risks for vessels traversing these waters.

The multibeam echosounder, which is typically employed in oceanographic studies, has been acquired with funding from the Civil House of Brazil. Its application in the Amazon rivers marks a significant advancement in hydrological research and underscores the importance of utilizing modern technology to safeguard local navigation and infrastructure amidst environmental challenges in this ecologically vital area.