Handheld Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) for Water Velocity Surveys

The SonTek ADV (Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter) is well established for its ability to make high-resolution 3D water velocity measurements. This paper describes the development of a new data collection platform for the ADV. The instrument (called the FlowTracker) is operated from a handheld controller with integrated keypad and LCD; no external computer or controlling device is needed. The FlowTracker was developed with input from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and incorporates USGS and ISO compatible discharge measurement algorithms built into the operating system. The system can be used for traditional wading discharge measurements (using a top setting wading rod) or more general water velocity surveys. Results from tow carriage testing are presented.