Cloud storage and management for offshore survey data
Keep survey datasets organised, controlled and shareable from acquisition through to final delivery.
Offshore survey projects generate raw files, processed products and reports across many teams and contractors. Darkocean Sync stores them in a structured cloud environment with clear access control and version history. Clients receive the data they are entitled to, and the project team always knows which version is current.
Raw, processed and deliverable data kept apart
Each user sees only what they are meant to
Earlier versions stay recoverable
Deliverables shared without opening the whole project
What is cloud data storage and management for offshore survey?
Survey data rarely stays in one place or one form. Raw MBES, seismic or ROV files arrive from the vessel, processing teams produce cleaned grids, charts and models, and reports and deliverables go to clients and regulators. Without a deliberate structure, these end up on shared drives, laptops and email chains, and nobody is sure which version is correct.
Cloud storage gives the project a single, durable home for this material. Data is organised by project, survey area and processing stage, with raw data protected from accidental changes and processed products clearly separated. Metadata such as coordinate reference system, vertical datum, acquisition dates and processing notes is stored beside the files, because a bathymetric grid without its datum is easy to misuse.
Access control is part of the design. Survey data can be commercially sensitive, and some of it is subject to client or national restrictions. Roles define who can upload, who can process, who can only view, and who can download. Activity is logged so the project team can see who accessed or changed what. Where data residency rules apply, the storage region should be chosen to meet them, and this needs to be confirmed at the start of a project.
Versioning protects against mistakes. When a dataset is reprocessed, the earlier version is retained and labelled rather than overwritten, so results can be traced and compared. Large deliverables such as point clouds and imagery can be shared through time-limited links, so clients get what they need without a courier or a full copy of the project.
Cloud storage is not a replacement for good survey practice. Retention periods, backup arrangements, cost of long-term storage and the time needed to download very large files all need to be agreed against the contract. Where a client wants a copy in their own systems, data can be exported in agreed formats.
How it works
Structure
Agree folder layout, naming rules, metadata fields and retention requirements for the project.
Ingest
Receive verified data from the vessel or processing team into the correct location.
Control
Set roles and permissions, and keep raw data protected from accidental change.
Version
Record each processing pass so earlier results remain traceable and recoverable.
Share
Release approved deliverables to clients through controlled, expiring links or exports.
What you receive
Storage
a. Structured project storage for raw and processed data
b. Metadata records for datum, projection and dates
c. Backup and retention set to the agreed terms
Control
a. Role-based access for team and client users
b. Access and change log for the project
c. Version history for reprocessed datasets
Sharing
a. Controlled links for deliverable downloads
b. Exports in agreed formats for client systems
Where it is used
Multi-contractor projectsGive each party access to its own data while the project lead keeps the full picture.
Client deliverablesRelease grids, charts and reports to clients without sending files by email or courier.
Repeat surveysHold earlier campaigns beside new ones so change over time can be measured.
Regulatory recordsKeep an auditable record of data, versions and access for permits and compliance.
Offshore wind and cablesManage long programmes of geophysical and geotechnical data across many survey areas.
Port and coastal monitoringKeep periodic bathymetric surveys organised so each campaign can be compared with the last.
Frequently asked questions
How is survey data organised in cloud storage?
By project, survey area and processing stage, with raw data kept separate from processed products and final deliverables. Metadata such as datum and projection is stored with the files, so users can interpret the data correctly without asking the person who made it.
Who can see our data?
Only the users you approve. Access is set by role, so one person may upload, another process and another only view. Activity is logged so changes and downloads can be reviewed.
Can we keep earlier versions of reprocessed data?
Yes. Earlier versions are retained rather than overwritten, so you can compare results, trace how a product was made and return to a previous version if needed.
Can data stay in a specific country or region?
Where a contract or regulation requires it, the storage region can be selected to meet the requirement. This should be raised at the start of the project, because it affects where data can be hosted and processed.
How do we get our data back out?
Deliverables can be shared through controlled links or exported in agreed formats to your own systems. For very large datasets, we agree the method in advance, as download time depends on file size and connection.
Where should your survey data live?
Share your project structure and access needs, and we will propose a storage and sharing setup.
